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The landscape of cryptocurrencies in Colombia in 2024 is one of dynamism and complexity: that of an ecosystem of proactive government-related initiatives against a hostile, yet opportunistic, regulatory setting. Crypto usage has increased in this country for transactions and as a store of value, in tandem with the general broadening trend in the setting of digital currency adoption in Latin America. It views the regional crypto market from a bird's eye perspective: Colombia is going through a phase of transformation, balancing between innovation and the need for regulation.
Central Bank Digital Currency: The Colombian government came up with a draft that included a CBDC and its regulating arrangements in November 2023. The move just goes on to underline their quest for modernizing the financial infrastructure, bringing transparency, and adopting it responsibly.
Blockchain for Biodiversity: Inter-American Development Bank Challenge, January 2023: The Colombian innovation was at the very front seat. A local firm by the name of Terrasos put forth how digital tokens could help preserve biodiversity, clearly crystallizing how blockchain technology can leave a lasting positive impact on this world.
Money begins to tell a story different from that of these blockchain startups. The $750,000 invested in Bogota has served to develop 100 companies focused on blockchain since 2021. This is synonymous with investment and advice to onboard blockchain technology.
Banking Ban: The most serious obstacle for Colombian crypto companies is the ban on banking activity that may be offered to them. It binds the smooth operation of such companies in terms of access to traditional financial channels.
Limited Recognition: Although it is possible to have companies holding cryptocurrencies, neither are they considered by the Colombian authorities as legal tender nor as a valid investment. Moreover, firms cannot offer crypto-related advice or management services.
Taxation Uncertainty: Whether crypto mining income is taxable or not may remain a doubt, but the lack of rules specific to this sector makes the scenario uncertain for investors and businesses.
Government Agencies: Banco de la República, Superintendencia Financiera de Colombia (SFC), Superintendency of Corporations, and the Directorate of National Taxes and Customs—the DIAN—have been the important regulatory authorities looking forward to cryptocurrency solutions.
Industry Watchdogs: The Colombian Blockchain Association, CBA, and the Latin-American Blockchain Association secure compliance within the cryptocurrency market.
Colombia's CBDC Pilot: The partnership with Ripple by the Central Bank of Colombia for a central bank digital currency pilot in June 2023 is a significant use case, that looks at the possible use in setting a clear path to the mainstream adoption of digital currencies in this developing country in its entirety.
Betterment's Crypto Move: While not in Colombia per se, the US investment advisor makes the case for the growing trend of forays by established financial institutions into the crypto space with its acquisition of Makara in February 2022.
These players include Quipu, Kravata, Factrading, Wupo, PANDA Group, ThousandToken, MarketXM, Bacano Go, NetM, and Psyche Coin. Each of these players is greatly contributing to changing the face of the Colombian cryptocurrency market.
The approach to cryptocurrency in Colombia is being conducted in progress. Where government initiatives are promising, the present regulatory landscape poses problems. With Colombian ingenuity and an increasing number of local players, prospects for crypto in this South American nation can only be very exciting.
The cryptocurrency market in Colombia is expected to reach US$17 million in 2028 from US$13 million in 2023, at a CAGR of 6.09%. This growth could perhaps be a rethink in Colombia's case to become among the most promising countries in the global cryptocurrency setting if the regulatory framework allows for this growth while mitigating the risks associated with the market.
