Financial industry leaders at a major Latin American summit have declared the convergence of traditional banking and digital assets inevitable, urging institutions to adapt or face obsolescence.
The consensus emerged during the Blockchain Summit Latam 2025, held in Medellín, Colombia, where experts discussed the integration of traditional finance, fintech, and cryptocurrencies. Panelists agreed that ignoring the digital asset boom is a greater risk than embracing it.
“Innovation does not ask permission or forgiveness,” said Daniel Marulanda of Trokera, emphasizing that businesses and markets are already operating with digital assets. He warned that institutions that perceive crypto solely as a risk face the danger of being left behind.
Panelists highlighted the need for traditional banks to leverage their existing trust to onboard clients into new digital tools. They noted that the final barrier to this integration is often cultural bias and a lack of understanding, rather than technical hurdles.
Juliana Franco of Coltefinanciera explained that banks are adapting to new beginnings they previously avoided due to concerns like money laundering. She stated that clients are already entering the digital ecosystem, compelling institutions to understand and support them.
The convergence is seen as a necessary evolution, not a competition. Luisa Cárdenas of Su Red pointed out that traditional finance offers regulation and trust, while digital assets provide innovation and immediacy.
One key opportunity lies in stablecoins, which José Martínez of Velafi noted could transform international payments, allowing large sums to move in seconds instead of days, with enhanced traceability.
However, challenges remain. Martínez cautioned against expecting a uniform regulatory model for all of Latin America due to the region’s diverse political and economic landscapes. He called such a view “utopian,” noting that regulatory differences lead to varying adoption rates.
Marulanda cited El Salvador’s favorable stance toward tokenized instruments due to its history with cryptocurrencies, contrasting it with Colombia’s restrictive regulatory framework. This difference led Trokera to launch operations in El Salvador before its home country.
Future changes within five years are expected to include significant regulatory transformation. Experts foresee increased collaboration between financial sectors, with each contributing its strengths to benefit customers. Fintech companies, they argued, must align with traditional standards, while regulators need to reduce barriers to access for new businesses.