USDT’s Strategic Leap: Tether Invests in SQRIL to Pioneer Stablecoin QR Payments in Emerging Economies

In a significant move poised to reshape the digital payments landscape in high-growth regions, Tether, the issuer of the world's largest stablecoin USDT, has made a strategic investment in SQRIL, a QR code payment provider. Announced in early 2026, this partnership represents a deliberate push to deeply integrate USDT into the daily mobile payment ecosystems of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. These are markets characterized by high mobile penetration and where remittance flows are a critical economic driver, often hampered by traditional banking inefficiencies. The core of this initiative is SQRIL's API-connected platform, which will be Leveraged to enable real-time settlements using USDT and other stablecoins. This platform uniquely bridges the gap between cutting-edge blockchain-based currencies and established traditional banking infrastructure. For end-users, this translates to the ability to make instant, low-cost QR code payments and remittances using a stable digital asset, bypassing the volatility typically associated with cryptocurrencies and the high fees of conventional cross-border transfers. For Tether, this is more than an expansion—it's a foundational strategy to cement USDT's utility as a practical medium of exchange rather than just a trading pair or store of value. By embedding itself at the point-of-sale and within peer-to-peer payment networks in these burgeoning economies, Tether is directly addressing financial inclusion. It offers a stable digital dollar alternative in regions where local currencies may be volatile and access to USD bank accounts is limited. This move is a bullish indicator for the entire stablecoin sector, demonstrating a clear path toward mass adoption through utility-focused partnerships. It signals that the future of finance may see stablecoins like USDT becoming as commonplace for daily transactions as mobile money is today, particularly in the world's fastest-growing economies. The success of this integration could set a powerful precedent, driving further demand for USDT and validating the model for other stablecoin issuers looking to move beyond the trading realm into real-world economic activity.

Tether Backs SQRIL to Drive Stablecoin QR Payments in Emerging Markets

Tether's strategic investment in SQRIL marks a push to integrate USDT into mobile payment ecosystems across high-growth regions. The QR code payment provider already operates in Asia, Africa, and Latin America—markets where mobile transactions dominate remittance flows.

The partnership will enable real-time settlements via stablecoins through SQRIL's API-connected platform, which interfaces with traditional banks and fintech apps. While financial terms remain undisclosed, the MOVE signals Tether's ambition to position USDT as infrastructure for frictionless cross-border payments.

Demand for such solutions is acute in target markets: SQRIL's existing footprint covers corridors with heavy reliance on mobile money but limited access to efficient dollar rails. By combining instant QR transactions with stablecoin liquidity, the collaboration could disrupt legacy remittance networks.

Argentina's Crypto Surge: Wallets Outpace Banks as Stablecoins Anchor Savings

Argentina's cryptocurrency adoption rate hit 19.8% in 2025, with USDT and Bitcoin emerging as the dominant assets. The trend reflects a broader rejection of traditional banking—where peso accounts yield negative real returns—in favor of dollar-pegged stablecoins. Decrypto reports 80% of its platform transactions now involve stablecoins, primarily for savings preservation and cross-border payments.

Crypto wallets offering yield on USDT deposits are drawing users away from banks, with platforms like Ripio noting accelerated adoption. 'When inflation runs at triple digits, people stop pretending local currency works,' says a Buenos Aires-based trader. Tether’s stability against the peso’s collapse has made it the de facto hedge for everyday transactions and remittances.

PwC Expands Crypto Services Amid Regulatory Clarity

PricewaterhouseCoopers is doubling down on cryptocurrency services following clearer U.S. regulatory frameworks. The accounting giant now offers crypto accounting, cybersecurity, and regulatory advisory services to exchanges, banks, and governments.

CEO Paul Griggs cites the GENIUS Act—a new stablecoin regulation—and leadership changes at the SEC as catalysts for the move. All Big Four firms now provide crypto-related services, with PwC specifically pitching stablecoins for payment efficiency.

The shift reflects institutional momentum as regulatory uncertainty diminishes. Griggs notes the GENIUS Act will 'create more confidence' for corporate adoption of digital assets.