Argentine exchange Ripio backs peso stablecoins for long-term growth

Argentine crypto exchange Ripio is focusing on local currency stablecoins and tokenised bonds amid a cautious outlook for crypto markets in 2026.

Ripio chief executive Sebastián Serrano said he expects a flat year for crypto but a decade-long expansion for stablecoins.

Founded in 2013, Ripio has shifted from a retail exchange into a B2B infrastructure provider for banks and fintech platforms.

The company now offers peso-pegged wARS, real-pegged wBRL, peso-pegged wMXN, and a tokenised version of Argentina’s AL30 sovereign bond.

Serrano said the AL30 token traded more than one million units during Argentina’s October 2025 election weekend.

“The most liquid assets are going to be the ones that get tokenised first,”

Sebastián Serrano said.

Ripio’s local stablecoins operate on Ethereum, Base, and World Chain.

Serrano said early transaction volumes were promising but the target is at least $100 million in assets under management this year.

He said local stablecoins improve user experience by avoiding forced foreign exchange conversions into dollar-based assets.

Serrano argued that local stablecoins are essential for DeFi lending in economies where salaries are paid in local currencies.

He said borrowing in dollar-denominated assets exposes users to unnecessary currency risk.

Ripio has prioritised a B2B strategy to act as infrastructure provider rather than competing directly with retail platforms.

“It’s going to be the decade of stablecoins,”

Sebastián Serrano said.

At the time of reporting, Ethereum price was $3,015.54.