Tether has invested an undisclosed amount in Latin American financial infrastructure startup EFY Finance as part of its seed funding round. The investment aims to expand institutional use of USDT and USA₮ by connecting stablecoins with local banking systems, cross-border payments and financial services across the region.
EFY Finance Connects Stablecoins to Banks in 17 Countries
According to Tether’s October 13 announcement, EFY Finance provides on- and off-ramp services for USDT and USA₮, alongside digital asset custody, accounts, wallets and cards. Its infrastructure supports settlement to local bank accounts in 17 countries and covers more than 12 currencies and payment corridors. The company reports more than 25,000 active individual and business accounts.
The platform is designed to help users move between digital dollars and traditional financial systems without relying entirely on separate banking services in each destination. EFY Finance also holds a Digital Asset Service Provider licence in El Salvador, according to Tether. This existing infrastructure gives the stablecoin issuer access to an established distribution network rather than requiring it to build payment services independently.
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Latin America’s $1.5 Trillion Crypto Market Draws Tether
Tether cited Chainalysis data showing that Latin America recorded nearly $1.5 trillion in cryptocurrency transaction volume between July 2022 and June 2025. The region’s demand for digital assets is partly associated with inflation, currency volatility and capital controls in several countries. Dollar-pegged stablecoins can provide an alternative way to hold dollar-denominated value and transfer funds across borders.
For Tether, the investment supports a strategy of expanding stablecoin use beyond cryptocurrency trading. EFY Finance has an established presence in markets including Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico, El Salvador, Panama and Ecuador. Connecting USDT with local payment networks could make the token more practical for businesses paying overseas suppliers and individuals transferring money internationally.
USDT’s $184.6 Billion Supply Supports Wider Adoption
Tether reported approximately $184.6 billion in USDT issuance at the end of the second quarter of 2026, according to its Q2 financial update. The company said its share of the overall stablecoin market exceeded 60%. This scale gives USDT an established base for payment integrations, although the investment itself does not guarantee higher transaction volumes.
The deal also highlights the growing importance of infrastructure that connects blockchain-based assets with conventional financial services. EFY Finance’s own company information reports that its transaction volume reached $1.1 billion in 2025, up from $15 million in 2023. That growth provides context for why payment infrastructure with an existing customer base may attract investment from major stablecoin issuers.
Banking Access and Regulation Will Shape Future Growth
The investment’s longer-term impact will depend on whether EFY Finance can expand its payment network while meeting local compliance requirements. Its ability to settle funds into local bank accounts could help businesses integrate stablecoins into existing financial operations without requiring every recipient to manage a crypto wallet. However, availability and payment conditions can vary by jurisdiction.
Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino said regulated infrastructure, banking connections and distribution are necessary to make digital dollars accessible across Latin America. EFY Finance CEO Andrés Tobón similarly highlighted the need to connect stablecoins with bank accounts, local payment networks and cards. Neither company disclosed the investment amount, and further expansion plans or financial targets were not specified in the announcement.
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