Tether has poured $20 million into Mercado Bitcoin through a strategic financing round, marking its latest push into Latin America's regulated digital asset market. The investment will bolster the Brazilian firm's blockchain-based financial infrastructure across payments, tokenization, lending, and on-chain capital markets.
From Exchange to Financial Super-App
Founded in 2013, Mercado Bitcoin started as a cryptocurrency exchange and evolved into a full-stack financial platform. It now serves 4.5 million users and has issued over R$2 billion (approximately $388 million) in tokenized assets. The company's offerings include trading infrastructure, stablecoin payments, banking services, cross-border transactions, and tokenized investment products.
Regulation as a Moat
Mercado Bitcoin operates under more than 10 regulatory licenses across Brazil and Europe. In Brazil, it holds a Payment Institution license from the Central Bank, as well as broker-dealer, securitization, and asset management capabilities. Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino said the platform has built a regulated on-chain financial infrastructure that now serves millions of users, adding that Brazil remains a key market for blockchain-based services.
Expansion Plans: Lending, Tokenization, and International Reach
Mercado Bitcoin Chairman and CEO Roberto Dagnoni noted that blockchain finance has moved beyond early adoption. The fresh capital will be used to accelerate domestic expansion and international growth. The company plans to enhance lending capacity, expand tokenized investment products for both retail and institutional clients, and forge new strategic partnerships. Tether said the investment aligns with its strategy of backing companies that combine regulatory approvals, technology, and large-scale financial services, especially as tokenization and stablecoins gain traction globally.