Argentina Leads Latin America in Crypto Ownership at 19.8%

Argentina has firmly established itself as the leader in cryptocurrency adoption across Latin America, with 19.8% of its population now owning digital assets, according to a recent report from Rankings Latam [1]. This figure surpasses that of Brazil (18.6%) and El Salvador (14.6%), marking a significant shift in how Argentinians are approaching finance [2]. The trend is not limited to Argentina, as the region’s overall crypto ownership grew by 18.3% in Q2 2025, reflecting the increasing integration of digital assets into everyday financial activity [3].

The rise in Argentina is driven by both macroeconomic conditions and demographic trends. Persistent inflation, political uncertainty, and a weakened local currency have led many Argentinians to seek alternative financial tools. As a result, digital assets are being increasingly used for value preservation and transactions [4]. The younger generation is at the forefront of this movement, with 21.9% of individuals aged 18–35 owning crypto—nearly twice the rate of older populations [5]. This age group is particularly drawn to the flexibility and global accessibility that cryptocurrencies offer.

The broader Latin American region is also seeing a concentration of crypto ownership in key markets. Six countries—Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru—collectively account for 80% of all crypto ownership in the region [6]. While Argentina leads, other countries are making rapid progress. Bolivia, for example, reported a 355% increase in crypto adoption in Q2 2025, and Guatemala and Paraguay saw gains of 88% and 52%, respectively [7]. These figures highlight how digital assets are becoming a critical financial tool in countries with limited access to stable banking systems.

The growing interest in cryptocurrencies has also attracted global players. Bitget, for instance, launched USD-based crypto cards in Brazil, signaling the increasing demand for crypto-based financial solutions [8]. Analysts note that unless Argentina sees significant macroeconomic improvements, its population will likely continue to rely on cryptocurrencies as a hedge against traditional financial instability [9].

Argentina’s trajectory demonstrates how economic hardship can accelerate the adoption of decentralized finance. Digital assets are no longer viewed solely as speculative investments but are increasingly serving as practical alternatives to traditional banking for a population seeking stability and global financial integration [10].

Sources:

[1] AInvest - https://www.ainvest.com/news/argentina-surpasses-19-8-crypto-ownership-leading-latin-america-2508/

[2] AInvest - https://www.ainvest.com/news/argentina-surpasses-brazil-el-salvador-latin-american-crypto-ownership-2508/

[3] CoinStats - https://coinstats.app/news/18384e869a2055ca7139b8674f4c5c8f1296cf8bbd735dbd6eda7e5469dd211c_Report%3A-Argentina-Leads-in-Crypto-Ownership-in-Latam%2C-Outpacing-Brazil-and-El-Salvador/

[4] TheCoinrise.com - https://thecoinrise.com/argentina-leads-latin-america-in-crypto-adoption/

[5] Coindoo - https://coindoo.com/new-study-nearly-20-of-argentines-now-own-cryptocurrency/

[8] Crypto - https://www.crypto-reporter.com/press-releases/bitget-wallet-launches-usd-based-crypto-card-in-brazil-eye-latin-america-expansion-106502/

[10] Cryptonews - https://cryptonews.com/news/news/page/970/