While the major economies are still testing blockchain-based solutions, Latin America (LATAM) and Southeast Asia (SEA) have already adopted this technology on a large scale. Both regions are among the global leaders in cryptocurrency adoption, with 19,8% in LATAM and 27,3% in SEA, according to the unpublished study by Valor Capital Group and Credit Saison. In Brazil, The Central Bank is developing the Drex initiative, que tem como objetivo tokenizar a economia nacional em escala. Brazil already has one of the most advanced digital payment ecosystems in the world, driven by Pix, what does 16 represent,5% of financial transactions. The country is now expanding the use of blockchain to areas such as trade finance, credit and digitalisation of assets
Meanwhile, Singapura emergió como un polo de innovación en blockchain, com 55% da população considerando as criptomoedas como um método de pagamento viável. The report highlights that Latin America and Southeast Asia, with a combined population of over one billion people, they are at the forefront of the transition from traditional financial systems to blockchain-driven economies
Além da adoção pelo consumidor, the blockchain technology is transforming the infrastructure of the financial market in these regions, driving new efficiencies in payments, financing for trade and asset tokenization. The estimated potential impact on the market is US$ 3,2 трильйони, as smart contracts increase security, transparency and speed of transactions
International payments, que tradicionalmente levam de três a cinco dias para serem liquidados, now they can be completed in seconds with the blockchain, eliminating middleman costs. Furthermore, the tokenisation of assets is creating a US$ 1 market,4 trillion, reactivating real-world assets, como imóveis e commodities, more liquid and accessible, affirms Bruno Batavia, Director of Emerging Technologies at Valor Capital Group. Segundo Batavia, the implementation of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) is being explored by 98% of the global GDP, with Latin America and Southeast Asia leading practical application in the real world
Singapore stands out as a pioneer with the Ubin Project, an initiative supported by the government that integrates blockchain into financial markets. The project has already redefined settlement systems and tested cross-border payments on blockchain in partnership with the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England
The Next Frontier: Tokenization of Global Trade and Commodities
With LATAM and SEA playing strategic roles in global trade, the next step in blockchain adoption focuses on commodity tokenization. Indonésia, world's largest exporter of palm oil and coal, Already using blockchain in carbon credit markets through the IDXCarbon initiative. The country's asset tokenization market is expected to reach US$ 88 billion by 2030, with an estimated economy of US$ 300 million in operational efficiency, said Qin En Looi, Partner da Saison Capital, venture capital arm of Credit Saison
The study highlights that the rapid adoption of blockchain in these regions presents significant opportunities for investors, fintechs and global financial institutions. By reducing the cost of international shipments — currently twice the target of the UN Sustainable Development Goals — and increase financial access for populations without banking services, the blockchain is emerging not only as a speculative asset, but as a fundamental engine of economic modernization
This report serves as a fundamental plan for stakeholders seeking to harness the immense potential these regions offer. Credit Saison has been in Brazil since 2023 and has been present in Southeast Asia for over ten years, with the unique ability to implement investments through private credit and venture capital to support the growth of fintechs and founders, both in debt and equity. Through our experience as an operator in global markets with a strong Japanese heritage, partnerships and knowledge exchange are essential for navigating and adapting to local nuances and formulating successful market strategies. For Credit Saison, the important thing is always to win together with our partners. We are eager to deepen our engagement in both regions to, collaboratively, opening pathways for sustainable growth, added Looi
Visithttps://latamsea.comto read the report
About Valor Capital Group
Founded in 2011 and with a presence in New York, Silicon Valley, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Mexico City, Valor Capital is a pioneering manager of Venture Capital and Growth Equity funds with a cross-border strategy, with the aim of acting as a bridge between the technology markets of the United States and Latin America. Their funds invest in transformative businesses, from early-stage startups to expanding companies. Valor is committed to the success of the companies in its portfolio, offering capital, operational support and global connections
