Tether-Backed Oobit Expands Crypto Payments Platform Into Colombia

Why It Matters

The rollout underscores accelerating stablecoin adoption for everyday commerce in emerging markets, positioning Oobit as a key infrastructure player in Latin America’s digital payments ecosystem.

Key Takeaways

• Oobit now operates in nine Latin American markets, including Colombia.
• Colombian peso ranks second globally for stablecoin purchases on exchanges.
• Brazil activity rose over 200% since launch, $400 average spend per user.
• USDT leads transactions, accounting for most spend across grocery, restaurant sectors.
• Non‑custodial Visa‑linked platform lets crypto pay at 150 million merchants worldwide.

Pulse Analysis

Oobit’s entry into Colombia reflects a broader shift toward stablecoin‑driven consumer payments across Latin America. By offering a non‑custodial, Visa‑linked solution, the company eliminates the need for traditional bank off‑ramps, allowing users to transact directly from their wallets. This model aligns with the region’s high mobile penetration and growing comfort with digital assets, especially as the Colombian peso ranks second worldwide for centralized‑exchange stablecoin purchases. The platform’s acceptance at more than 150 million merchants in over 80 countries provides a seamless bridge between crypto holdings and everyday spending.

The data behind Oobit’s expansion highlights robust demand. In Brazil, platform activity has more than doubled since its November 2024 launch, with users averaging $400 per month across roughly 20 transactions. Grocery and supermarket purchases represent 35% of total spend across Latin America, followed by restaurants and department stores, indicating that stablecoins are moving beyond speculative trading into routine retail. USDT remains the dominant token, outpacing Oobit’s native coin and USDC, a trend mirrored by Bitso’s 2025 report showing dollar‑linked stablecoins accounting for 40% of crypto purchases on its exchange.

Looking ahead, Oobit’s growth could accelerate competition among fintech firms seeking to capture the emerging crypto‑payments market. As stablecoin volumes swell—from $243 billion to over $322 billion in a year—regulators are likely to scrutinize cross‑border payment flows and consumer protection frameworks. Companies that can combine regulatory compliance with frictionless user experiences, like Oobit’s Visa integration, will be well‑positioned to shape the next phase of digital commerce in the region.