In this episode of Stable Talks, Caio Barbosa talks with Arthur Ribeiro, Head of Business Operations LatAm at Reap, to discuss how Reap is building a bridge between Asia and Latin America by creating payment infrastructure based on stablecoins.
Arthur shares insights on how Reap enables cross-border payments and offers corporate cards collateralized with stablecoins, bringing efficiency and agility to companies operating globally. He also comments on regulatory challenges in Brazil and the region, and how the SWIFT system still limits the speed of international transactions, opening space for innovation with stablecoins.
They discuss the differences between the stablecoin ecosystems in Asia and Latin America, as well as the importance of compliance for sustainable growth in the regional crypto market.
🎧 Listen to the full episode below or read on for the main highlights of the conversation.
Highlights from the conversation
1. Infrastructure Connecting Asia and Latin America
“We are building the infrastructure that allows Latin American companies to make fast and efficient payments to Asia and vice versa.”
— Arthur Ribeiro
Reap’s strategy to be the bridge between two key markets
The role of stablecoins in facilitating cross-border payments
How to build local rails to ensure operational efficiency
2. Corporate Cards Collateralized with Stablecoins
“The differentiator is allowing companies to use stablecoins as collateral without needing to convert to fiat currency.”
— Arthur Ribeiro
How the corporate card based on stablecoins works
Benefits for Web3 companies and fintechs
The user experience in payments and corporate treasury
3. Inefficiencies of the SWIFT System and the Future of International Payments
“SWIFT still dominates but is slow, costly, and lacks transparency. Stablecoins offer a faster, more reliable alternative.”
— Arthur Ribeiro
Recurring problems of the traditional international payment system
How stablecoins bring speed gains and cost reductions
Reap’s vision for the evolution of the cross-border market
4. Regulation and Compliance: Challenges and Opportunities in Brazil and LatAm
“Regulation brings security and trust but requires adaptation and close relationships with regulators.”
— Arthur Ribeiro
Regulatory overview in Brazil and comparison with other countries in the region
How Reap navigates a still-developing regulatory environment
Expectations for consolidation and maturity in the stablecoin market
5. The Future of Stablecoin Adoption in Latin America
“LatAm is growing very fast and we have a vibrant ecosystem, but still catching up compared to Asia.”
— Arthur Ribeiro
Differences between the Asian and Latin American ecosystems
The role of banks, PSPs, and fintechs in stablecoin adoption
Perspectives for 2025 and beyond in the regional market
Stablecoins: The Foundation for the Future of International Payments
This episode highlights that stablecoins go far beyond being a digital asset; they are the backbone of the next generation of global financial infrastructure. Arthur’s vision shows that connecting emerging and established markets requires combining technology, compliance, and local partnerships—building a more efficient and integrated future.
“We are building the infrastructure that will allow LatAm and Asia to communicate financially in an agile and secure way, and stablecoins are the key to that.”
— Arthur Ribeiro (Reap)
What is Reap and how does it use stablecoins for cross-border payments?
Reap is a fintech building payment infrastructure that bridges Asia and Latin America using stablecoins. The company enables cross-border payments and offers corporate cards collateralized with stablecoins, allowing businesses to transact globally without converting to fiat currency, reducing costs and increasing speed compared to traditional SWIFT-based systems.
How do stablecoin-backed corporate cards work?
Stablecoin-backed corporate cards allow companies to use their stablecoin holdings as collateral for a payment card, enabling them to make purchases and payments globally without needing to convert crypto to fiat first. This approach preserves liquidity, reduces conversion fees, and provides faster settlement times for international business operations.
What are the main differences between the stablecoin ecosystems in Asia and Latin America?
In Asia, the stablecoin ecosystem is more focused on trading and DeFi applications, with markets like Hong Kong and Singapore leading in regulatory clarity. In Latin America, stablecoins are primarily used for remittances, inflation hedging, and cross-border payments. Both regions share a growing demand for faster and cheaper international transactions, but differ in regulatory maturity and dominant use cases.
Why is compliance important for stablecoin adoption in emerging markets?
Compliance is essential for sustainable growth in the stablecoin market because it builds trust with regulators, financial institutions, and users. In emerging markets like Brazil, where regulatory frameworks are still evolving, companies that prioritize compliance can operate more confidently, attract institutional partnerships, and scale their operations while meeting anti-money laundering and consumer protection requirements.
