Crypto: Brazil Surpasses the United States, France Out of the Top 20

The most crypto-friendly country in the world speaks Portuguese. In its 2026 index of crypto adoption by the general public, published on September 23, Chainalysis ranks Brazil first, ahead of the United States. During the same period, the market lost half of its value, while Latin American crypto activity grew by 9.8%. The crypto that attracts the region remains unchanged.

Brazil Leads, Germany the Only European in the Top 20

Chainalysis' "grassroots" index, which measures crypto adoption by the general public, places Brazil ahead of the United States, Nigeria, Japan, and South Korea. The Brazilian crypto economy reaches $252.5 billion between July 2025 and June 2026.

The ranking combines four criteria: flows to platforms, peer-to-peer exchanges, cross-border transfers, and on-chain holdings. Brazil is not first in any of them, but it ranks in the top 4 globally in each.

Mexico completes the Latin American presence at 11th place. On the European side, Germany, at 13th, is the only country from the European Union in the top 20. France is not listed.

In Brazil, Wallets with $10,000 in Stablecoins Surge by 347%

Since July 2024, the number of Brazilian wallets holding at least $10,000 in stablecoins has increased by 347%. The rise is 91% in Mexico and 82% in Argentina.

In Mexico, 61% of crypto flows go through stablecoins, amounting to over $47 billion. In Venezuela, merchants surveyed for the Chainalysis report say they receive nearly 40% of their income in USDT.

Chainalysis links this demand to years of inflation, depreciation of local currencies, and limited access to the dollar. From a smartphone, a dollar-pegged stablecoin provides access to a currency more stable than the peso or the bolivar.

"Crypto, and stablecoins in particular, have moved beyond the early adopter stage to become an integral part of the Latin American financial landscape," observes Ben Reid, head of stablecoins at the Mexican exchange Bitso.

Market Halved, Crypto Activity Nearly Intact

The 2026 ranking tells a story of two speeds. The crypto market capitalization has shrunk by about 50%, erasing $2.1 trillion.

Global on-chain activity has only decreased by 1.6%, from $9.5 trillion to $9.4 trillion. Transfers of stablecoins between countries have even surged by 77.5%, from $124.2 billion to $220.3 billion.

While prices were falling, stablecoins circulated ever more dollars from one country to another.

After Adoption, the Yield Stage

A Brazilian who keeps $10,000 in stablecoins has sheltered his savings from fluctuations in the real and the crypto market. A year later, he still has $10,000, neither more nor less.

These same stablecoins can also be lent in DeFi, to borrowers who pay interest to use them. Their holder can then aim for a double-digit yield, without depending on crypto prices.

Adopting the stablecoin was the first step. Making it grow is the next, and it is this type of strategy that the Club 25% documents for its members.

The Club 25% is a private club of 150 investors who manage their savings in stablecoins via DeFi, aiming for 15 to 25% per year, without directional exposure, dedicating a few hours each quarter.

How it Works in Practice:

• A public portfolio of $100,000 tracked in real-time: all decisions are documented and explained.
• DeFi opportunities analyzed: you follow step-by-step video guides to invest in selected protocols for their robustness.
• Control of your funds: you remain in control of your capital, with no third party having access to your wallet.

While Brazil saves in stablecoins, France is still waiting to enter the top 20.