The Central Bank of Bolivia inaugurated the 18th Jornada Monetaria in Santa Cruz de la Sierra under the theme “Monetary Policy in the Digital Era”, with around 1,000 in-person attendees and more than 4,000 virtual registrants, alongside seven international experts. Acting President Edwin Rojas Ulo used the opening to emphasise the increasing use of electronic payment channels and instruments for buying and selling virtual assets through the financial system. The opening plenary featured speakers including CEMLA Director General Manuel Ramos Francia, Banco Nacional de Panamá executive Anthony Martínez, SmartPay executive Rocelo Lopes and Fintech Lab founder Rosa María Orellana Maldonado. Citing data from the Financial System Supervision Authority, Rojas noted that virtual-asset operations in the first quarter of 2025 reached about 1.119 million, up 94% compared with the second half of 2024; reports from financial intermediaries to the supervisor showed the value of virtual-asset transactions rising from BOB 575,000 in July 2024 to BOB 422 million by March 2025, while the number of transactions increased from 812 to 6,078. He linked the pickup to the central bank’s 25 June 2024 decision (Resolution No. 082) that enabled electronic payment channels and instruments to be used for virtual-asset transactions within the financial system, and referenced stablecoins and other new payment models as part of the shift.
Central Bank of Bolivia 2025-04-29
Central Bank of Bolivia opens 18th Monetary Conference and highlights rapid growth in virtual-asset transactions through electronic payment channels
The Central Bank of Bolivia inaugurated the 18th Jornada Monetaria, focusing on "Monetary Policy in the Digital Era," highlighting the rise in electronic payment channels and virtual asset transactions. Acting President Edwin Rojas Ulo noted a 94% increase in virtual-asset operations in Q1 2025 compared to H2 2024, with transaction values rising significantly. This growth is attributed to the central bank's June 2024 resolution allowing electronic payment channels for these transactions.