Stablecoin giant Tether is making waves in Latin America, announcing a pivotal investment in the Chilean cryptocurrency exchange Orionx. This strategic move, disclosed on June 3, 2025, signifies Tether’s commitment to boosting crypto adoption in a region with a significant number of unbanked individuals. The investment seals Orionx’s Series A funding round, which Tether led, aiming to expand access to stablecoin-powered financial tools across Latin America.
Strengthening Ties in Latin America
Tether’s latest endeavor is a clear signal of its ambitions to deepen its foothold in Latin America—a region that has quickly emerged as a hotbed for cryptocurrency activity. According to a Chainalysis report, the area saw a staggering $415 billion in crypto transactions in the year leading up to June 2024. With many adults still without access to traditional banking services, the potential for crypto as a financial equalizer is immense. This move aligns with Tether’s broader strategy, as seen in their recent acquisition of a significant stake in Adecoagro to further their tokenization ambitions.
“By closing Orionx’s Series A round, we are not only supporting a high-impact company but also advancing our broader vision of making stablecoin-powered financial tools accessible to underserved communities across the region,” Paolo Ardoino, Tether’s CEO, explained in a recent blog post. This investment isn’t just about financial growth—it’s about empowering communities with innovative financial solutions.
The relationship between Tether and Orionx isn’t entirely new. Back in 2023, Orionx secured funding in a round led by Bitfinex, Tether’s sister company, further intertwining their operations. Now, with Tether’s backing, Orionx is poised to take its business-to-business (B2B) services to the next level, offering more cost-efficient solutions for payment collection, distribution, and treasury management.
A New Horizon for Orionx
For Orionx, the investment marks a transformative moment. The company, which operates in Peru, Colombia, and Mexico, is set to leverage Tether’s resources and expertise to refine its offerings and expand its market presence. Joel Vainstein, Orionx’s CEO, expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating it “marks a turning point” in the company’s B2B vision.
The partnership promises to enhance Orionx’s capabilities in delivering seamless, cost-efficient financial solutions. This is particularly pertinent as inflationary pressures and economic instability linger in several Latin American countries, driving people to seek alternatives to traditional fiat currencies.
Industry analysts are watching Tether’s moves closely. Some see this as an astute strategy to capitalize on the burgeoning crypto market in Latin America, while others caution that the road ahead is fraught with regulatory hurdles. The region’s regulatory landscape remains a patchwork, with countries like Brazil and Argentina adopting vastly different approaches to digital assets. Still, the potential rewards for Tether and Orionx are substantial, provided they navigate these challenges effectively. This strategic expansion comes as Tether also eyes the U.S. market with plans for a U.S.-focused stablecoin later this year.
Looking Forward
As Tether and Orionx embark on this joint venture, questions abound regarding the broader implications for Latin America’s crypto landscape. Will other stablecoin issuers follow Tether’s lead, or is this a unique play that capitalizes on Tether’s existing influence in the region? Only time will tell.
What’s clear, though, is that Tether’s investment in Orionx is not just a financial transaction—it’s a statement of intent. With the stablecoin issuer at the helm, this partnership could very well redefine the financial ecosystem for millions across Latin America. As the dust settles, both companies will look to further cement their roles as trailblazers in the region’s rapidly evolving crypto market.
In the coming months, stakeholders will be closely monitoring any regulatory developments and market responses. For now, Tether and Orionx are setting the stage for what could be a transformative chapter in Latin America’s financial narrative. Whether this trend can continue, bringing tangible benefits to the unbanked, remains an open question that will be eagerly watched by industry insiders and users alike.
Source
This article is based on: Tether Invests in Chilean Crypto Exchange Orionx to Drive Latin American Adoption
Further Reading
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Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
