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Argentina's Economic 'Tetherization' Plans by 2026 Congress

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Argentina's Economic 'Tetherization' Plans by 2026 Congress

Key Takeaways

  • 1 Congressman Martin Yeza believes stablecoins could become a key part of Argentina's payment infrastructure.
  • 2 Yeza supports allowing the central bank to hold cryptocurrency and enabling state companies to engage in mining.
  • 3 Local analysts and entrepreneur Roselo Lopez endorse 'tetherization' as an alternative to dollarization.
  • 4 The new Congress in 2026 will discuss issues related to stablecoins and cryptocurrencies.
  • 5 Argentine banks are ready to offer crypto services, and the Central Bank is preparing measures to open the market.

Argentina's 2026 Congress will consider stablecoins as dollar proxies. Martin Yeza and local experts back the economic 'tetherization' approach for payment systems.

Congressman Martin Yeza of the new Argentine Congress stated that stablecoins could assume a new key role in Argentina's payment system, acting as dollar proxies. He also advocated for the central bank to have the ability to hold cryptocurrency and for state-owned companies to engage in mining. Local analysts and several entrepreneurs support the so-called economic "tetherization," which the new Congress intends to discuss in 2026.

What is economic "tetherization"?

Here, "tetherization" refers to the use of stablecoins, such as USDT, as proxies for the dollar within the national economy. In this model, stablecoins serve as a means of payment and store of value approximating the dollar but functioning in digital form. Proponents note that this scheme can offer advantages over traditional dollarization, including the absence of direct involvement from another country's government and lower transaction costs.

Plans of Argentina's new Congress

The new Congress will need to address several critical issues related to stablecoins and cryptocurrency in 2026, including the role of digital assets in stabilizing the economy. According to Martin Yeza, the government plans to reconsider the dollarization approach by incorporating stablecoins and cryptocurrencies as dollar proxies.

Yeza proposes integrating stablecoins into payment circulation and allowing the central bank to hold cryptocurrency, as well as permitting state companies to participate in mining. These proposals have found support among local analysts who view "tetherization" as one reform option.

Expert opinions

Local crypto-entrepreneur Roselo Lopez publicly endorsed the idea of "tetherization," emphasizing the benefits of using Tether (USDT) as a major stablecoin. He highlights the convenience of traceable transactions and lower transaction costs compared to the logistics and approvals involved in traditional dollarization; for more on discussions around Tether and USDT, see Paolo Ardoino's perspective.

Supporters of "tetherization" note that traditional dollarization would require consent and logistical support from the U.S., making it more complex compared to a stablecoin-based approach.

Cryptocurrency development in Argentina

Reports also indicate that Argentine banks are ready to offer crypto services to their clients, and the Central Bank is developing specific measures to open the cryptocurrency market to private banks. These moves by the banking system create infrastructural prerequisites for broad integration of digital assets into the economy.

Additionally, there is discussion about state companies participating in mining and the regulator holding digital assets on its balance sheet, reflecting a broader interest in using crypto technologies in public policy. Similar initiatives in other jurisdictions, such as plans to issue exchange-traded stablecoins, show that the topic of stablecoins is gaining regional relevance — see also the example of an exchange-traded stablecoin.

Why this matters

For miners in Russia, there may not be direct or immediate impact from Argentina's plans, but changes in one country reflect a broader trend: growing interest from regulators and banks in stablecoins and crypto services. Expanding banking crypto services and enabling state companies to mine alter the accessibility of fiat and digital liquidity in regional markets.

Practically, this means international payment schemes and demand for cryptocurrencies as a means of settlement may evolve, resulting in more options for conversion and payments that should be considered when planning mining revenues and expenses.

What to do?

  • Monitor news and regulatory changes: Regularly tracking updates from various jurisdictions will help anticipate shifts in liquidity and payment routes.
  • Keep accurate records and prepare documentation: Careful accounting and record-keeping will simplify dealing with fiat and tax authorities amid rule changes.
  • Evaluate withdrawal options and counterparties: Compare available exchanges, aggregators, and banking services by fees and verification requirements.
  • Optimize energy consumption and equipment: Regularly assess farm efficiency and electricity contracts to maintain profitability under any market conditions.
  • Diversify wallet and pool risks: Use reliable wallets, distribute hash power among pools, and consider counterparty risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is meant by economic 'tetherization'?

'Tetherization' refers to using stablecoins like USDT as dollar proxies within the economy, serving as stable digital means of payment and store of value.

What steps does Congressman Martin Yeza propose?

Martin Yeza advocates for integrating stablecoins into the payment system, allowing the central bank to hold cryptocurrency, and permitting state companies to participate in mining.

Why does Roselo Lopez support 'tetherization'?

Roselo Lopez points out that 'tetherization' offers advantages over traditional dollarization: transactions are traceable with lower fees and do not require direct involvement from the U.S.

How are banks and regulators preparing for crypto integration?

According to reports, Argentine banks are ready to offer crypto services to clients, and the Central Bank is developing measures to open the crypto market to private banks.