Latin America - Need to Know
The politics of crypto and digital infrastructure in Latin America this week.
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Earlier this week I wrote about:
Here are some of the most important updates on bitcoin, blockchain and digital infrastructure policy, power and politics from this past week.
In Latin America, Nubank launched Nucrypto with its partner Paxos. The Berkshire Hathaway-backed Fintech venture is rolling out its crypto service in Brazil before turning to Mexico.
In Mexico, Senator Indira Kempis’ associates installed a Bitcoin ATM in the Mexican Senate as part of an attempt to grab lawmakers’ attention. Kempis is campaigning for changes to Mexico’s Fintech law that would accommodate Bitcoin and crypto assets.
Central Bankers from 44 countries are in El Salvador this week. They are reportedly learning all about the implementation of bitcoin (BTC) in the Central American country, particularly the Bitcoin Beach wallet and the Chivo wallet.
Separately, Salvadoran developers launched Torogoz Dev, a lightning network project. The main developers leading this coder training lab are Salim Argueta and Ishi Kawa.
Venezuelan regulator Superintendencia de Criptomonedas (Sunacrip) rolled out the country’s first Blockchain-driven commodities exchange. The Caracas Commodity Exchange (CCSCEX) exchange recently obtained an operating license authorizing the deployment of its products and services in the country.
Panamanian president Laurentino Cortizo is resisting Silva’s crypto legalization bill. The president said his team would review the bill and ensure that it complies with anti-money laundering practices.
Rosanna Costa, president of Chile’s Central Bank, says that she wants to allow CBDC transactions to occur offline - not just online. Out of every 10 central banks, 9 are exploring the design of a CBDC, according to the Mexico City-based Bank of International Settlements.
President of the Central Bank of Brazil, Roberto Campos Neto, met with the CEO of Binance, Changpeng Zhao (CZ). The meeting was part of a plan to strengthen its presence in the largest Latin American economy.
In Argentina, the crypto market is stirring up increased interest at the same time that it is taking the first serious steps towards regulation. According to a CoinsPaid study, 65% of Argentines say they are willing to use virtual currencies as a means of payment in some types of physical stores.