TLDR
- Argentines are utilizing stablecoins to generate daily profits of up to 4% through crypto arbitrage, despite currency restrictions.
- The “rulo” strategy involves buying U.S. dollars at the official exchange rate and converting them into stablecoins.
- Local crypto platforms, such as Ripio, Lemon Cash, and Belo, are experiencing significant increases in stablecoin transactions.
- Stablecoins are becoming a key tool for protecting savings amid Argentina’s ongoing inflation and currency devaluation.
- Despite tax risks, stablecoins offer a refuge from the volatile peso, making them a popular choice for many Argentinians.
Amid tightening currency controls in Argentina, many locals are turning to stablecoins to safeguard their savings and profit. Traders are capitalizing on the price discrepancies between the official and parallel peso markets. This practice, known as the “rulo,” allows them to earn up to 4% per transaction.
Stablecoins Surge as Argentina Faces Currency Crisis
Argentines are increasingly using stablecoins, such as USDT and USDC, to capitalize on foreign exchange discrepancies. The arbitrage strategy begins by purchasing U.S. dollars at the official exchange rate. Next, they convert those dollars into stablecoins and sell them for pesos at the parallel market rate.
Argentines Pile into Stablecoins to Score Quick Arbitrage Profit of Up to 4% on Each Transaction
"I make this trade every day," said Lopez, a stock broker based in Buenos Aires who uses crypto to "protect myself from inflation." pic.twitter.com/fKHP7rvOms
— matthew sigel, recovering CFA (@matthew_sigel) October 23, 2025
This process allows traders to secure profits of up to 4%. Ruben López, a Buenos Aires-based stockbroker, said, “I execute this trade daily to protect myself from inflation.” As the Argentine peso weakens, this arbitrage trade has become an attractive option for those seeking financial stability.
The surge in demand for stablecoins is visible on local crypto platforms. Ripio, a major crypto exchange, reported a 40% increase in stablecoin-to-peso transactions. Similarly, Lemon Cash and Belo experienced transaction volumes jumping over 50%.
The growing use of stablecoins reflects Argentina’s ongoing economic instability, marked by high inflation and currency devaluation. According to Bitso’s Argentina country manager, Julián Colombo, stablecoins have become a “vehicle to get cheaper dollars.” The lack of clear crypto regulations has fueled the popularity of the rulo trade, providing a way to protect savings.
Crypto Adoption Grows Amid Argentina’s Financial Crisis
The long-standing financial crises in Argentina have prompted many citizens to adopt stablecoins as a means of protection against inflation and currency controls. Even as the country reduces inflation from nearly 300% to about 30%, the peso continues to lose value. In this environment, Argentines are turning to digital currencies for a safer store of value.
Nicole Connor, head of Women in Crypto Argentina, said, “I keep my savings in crypto and stablecoins.” As the political and economic landscape remains uncertain, cryptocurrency offers a refuge from the volatility of national currencies. Stablecoins have become a permanent fixture in the financial ecosystem of Argentina.
Despite the growing use of stablecoins, profits come with risks. Crypto transactions are taxed at a rate of up to 15%, and frequent trades may trigger scrutiny from banks. Nonetheless, the increasing reliance on stablecoins underscores a broader shift in how Argentinians manage their finances amid ongoing economic challenges.
