Argentina Surpasses 19.8% Crypto Ownership, Leads Latin America in Adoption

Argentina has emerged as the leading country 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 places Argentina ahead of regional peers such as Brazil, where 18.6% of the population owns crypto, and El Salvador, with a 14.6% adoption rate [2]. The surge in Argentina is part of a broader regional trend, as Latin America's overall crypto ownership increased by 18.3% in the second quarter of 2025 [3].

The rapid adoption of cryptocurrencies in Argentina is driven by a combination of economic factors and demographic shifts. With persistent inflation and political instability, many Argentinians have lost trust in traditional financial systems and are turning to digital assets as an alternative means of storing value and conducting transactions [4]. Additionally, younger generations are leading the charge, with 21.9% of individuals aged 18–35 owning crypto—nearly double the rate of older age groups [5].

The report also highlights the concentration of crypto adoption within the region, with six countries—Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru—accounting for 80% of all crypto ownership in Latin America [6]. These countries are setting the pace for digital asset adoption and shaping the region’s financial future.

While Argentina leads the way, other countries are also experiencing significant growth. Bolivia saw a 355% increase in crypto adoption in the past quarter, while Guatemala and Paraguay recorded gains of 88% and 52%, respectively [7]. These figures underscore the expanding role of cryptocurrencies in countries with unstable economies and limited access to traditional banking services.

The growing influence of digital assets in Latin America is attracting attention from global crypto platforms and financial institutions. The recent launch of USD-based crypto cards in Brazil by Bitget Wallet is an example of how companies are adapting to the region’s shifting financial landscape [8]. Analysts suggest that unless Argentina’s macroeconomic conditions improve significantly, the country’s reliance on cryptocurrencies is likely to continue [9].

Argentina’s experience illustrates how economic hardship can accelerate the adoption of decentralized financial systems. As digital assets become more integrated into daily life, they are serving not only as speculative tools but also as practical alternatives to traditional banking, particularly for younger, tech-savvy users [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/