Is Crypto Here to Stay?

Why It Matters

Crypto’s proven ability to bypass restrictive capital controls and its growing regulatory legitimacy make it a strategic asset for emerging‑market economies and global investors alike.

Key Takeaways

• Capital controls in Argentina drove crypto adoption for remittances
• Crypto offers cheap, fast cross‑border transfers versus traditional banks
• Digital wallets democratize financial services with just a mobile phone
• Education of regulators and users is crucial for responsible crypto growth
• Regulatory spotlight confirms crypto's permanence in global finance

Summary

Julian Colbo, senior director for South America at Bitso, argues that cryptocurrency is no longer a niche experiment but a lasting component of the financial system. In a talk titled “Is crypto here to stay?” he draws on his Argentine upbringing and Bitso’s rise as Latin America’s first crypto unicorn to illustrate the broader shift.

Colbo recounts how Argentina’s 2011 capital controls and subsequent devaluation left families unable to access savings, prompting his first crypto transaction in 2016. He notes that moving money to the United States cost a fraction of traditional fees and arrived within minutes, highlighting crypto’s ability to cut friction, hedge against weak local currencies, and provide affordable cross‑border payments.

He emphasizes that a simple mobile phone now grants anyone the same financial tools once reserved for the affluent, and warns that the technology’s power demands responsible education for users, policymakers, and NGOs. “Crypto is a tool; it can improve or be exploited,” he says, urging regulators to understand the motivations behind crypto adoption before crafting rules.

The rapid regulatory focus worldwide, from the U.S. to emerging markets, signals that crypto has cemented its place in the global economy. For businesses and investors, this means preparing for a more inclusive, digitized financial landscape while navigating evolving compliance frameworks.

Original Description

In the latest episode of Leading Questions, a video series from the Atlantic Council’s Millennium Leadership Program, 2025 Fellow Julian Colombo offers his perspective on one of the fastest-evolving forces shaping the global economy: cryptocurrency. Drawing on his experiences growing up in Argentina and his current role at Bitso, he discusses how digital assets are transforming financial systems in the developing world and why greater education is essential to understanding both the opportunities and risks of this technology.

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