Latin American Developers’ Preference for Established Blockchains
A recent report by Sherlock Communications shows that Latin American developers are increasingly choosing to build on established blockchain ecosystems such as Ethereum and Polygon instead of creating new base-layer protocols. This trend stems from a focus on transparency, coordination, and compliance, with developers preferring intuitive tools, strong documentation, and proven records. The study, which gathered qualitative inputs from 85 developers in Bolivia, Mexico, Brazil, and Peru, underscores the region’s technical maturity and emphasis on addressing real-world problems. On-chain data analysis backs this up: Ethereum made up over 75% of tagged transactions in Latin America from June 2024 to June 2025, based on a review of 697,000 blockchain transactions. Polygon’s share was 11%, rising to 20% by June 2025, pointing to steady growth. This dominance highlights why reliable, well-supported networks appeal to developers here.
Anyway, comparative analysis reveals that while Latin American developers can create new platforms, they often opt for existing ecosystems due to their stability and resources. Unlike some regions that might prioritize innovation, Latin America tends to focus on practical applications and immediate usability, which arguably makes sense given local needs.
On that note, when looking at broader market trends, this preference aligns with global shifts toward decentralized finance (DeFi) and institutional adoption. Established blockchains provide the security and infrastructure necessary for growth, likely fostering a more integrated and efficient crypto ecosystem in Latin America moving forward.
Latin America has a growing, increasingly skilled developer community.
Luiz Eduardo Abreu Hadad
Technological Innovations and Cross-Chain Capabilities
Technological advances in blockchain, like cross-chain swaps and better interoperability, are boosting the capabilities of ecosystems such as Ethereum and Polygon. Platforms including Symbiosis and 1inch have created solutions for seamless asset transfers between different blockchains, reducing the need for separate bridges and improving the user experience.
Evidence from additional documents indicates that decentralized exchanges (DEXs) experienced a 25.3% surge in spot trading volume in Q2 2025, topping $876 billion, while centralized exchanges fell by 28%. This change reflects a growing preference for non-custodial solutions, which established ecosystems support well with their robust infrastructures.
For instance, Symbiosis uses its own SIS chain to handle swaps internally with consistent fees and faster execution, and Uniswap v4’s singleton contract architecture slashes gas usage by up to 99%. These improvements make networks like Ethereum and Polygon more appealing for developers who value efficiency and security.
You know, comparative analysis shows that new chains might offer higher speeds but often lack the maturity and support of established networks. This makes them less ideal for developers focused on real-world apps and long-term sustainability.
In summary, technological innovations are strengthening the dominance of established blockchains by providing tools for complex computations and data storage, essential for advanced applications like decentralized apps (DApps) and real-world asset (RWA) tokenization.
They look for stable ecosystems, intuitive tools, and sustainable economic incentives, focusing on solving real problems around trust, transparency, and usability.
Luiz Eduardo Abreu Hadad
Institutional and Regulatory Influences on Development Trends
Institutional involvement and regulatory changes are shaping the crypto landscape, affecting developer preferences in Latin America. Entities such as BlackRock‘s IBIT ETF, with over $83 billion in assets, signal a move toward legitimizing digital assets, which benefits established ecosystems due to their compliance and security features.
Data from additional context suggests that regulatory frameworks, like the GENIUS stablecoin bill and Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, offer clearer guidelines, reducing uncertainty and encouraging the use of advanced crypto tools. In Latin America, efforts such as Núclea Chain and RBB in Brazil demonstrate local initiatives to build compliant blockchain infrastructures, aligning with global trends.
Concrete examples include the approval of spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs in places like Hong Kong, which boosts institutional confidence and supports development within established networks. This regulatory clarity helps Latin American developers concentrate on building within ecosystems that meet compliance standards.
On that note, while regulations can bring challenges like fragmented markets, they generally promote stability and growth. Compared to less regulated areas, Latin America’s proactive stance on blockchain development creates a favorable environment for innovation.
Synthesis with broader trends indicates that institutional and regulatory factors are driving a mature market where established blockchains excel, offering developers the reliability needed for sustainable projects.
Market Trends and User Adoption in Latin America
Market trends in 2025 show a significant shift toward decentralized finance (DeFi), with growing user adoption of crypto swaps and bridges. In Latin America, this is evident in the high transaction volumes on Ethereum and Polygon, driven by advantages in cost, speed, and control.
Evidence from the original article and other documents highlights that Latin America’s crypto adoption rate exceeds the global average, with developers and users favoring non-custodial solutions. The region’s focus on real-world issues, such as supply chain traceability and DePIN, matches the capabilities of established ecosystems.
For example, the use of AI tools for research and sentiment analysis simplifies crypto adoption for beginners and enhances swap platform effectiveness. Institutional actions, like corporate Bitcoin holdings, reinforce the legitimacy of these approaches in Latin America.
Anyway, comparative analysis shows that adoption varies with technical comfort, but the overall trend favors established networks for their ease of use and security. This diversity supports a maturing market where various solutions cater to different needs.
In my view, Latin America is set for continued growth in crypto adoption, with established blockchains central to driving efficiency and innovation.
Future Outlook for Latin American Crypto Development
The future of crypto development in Latin America looks promising, fueled by technological advances, regulatory clarity, and institutional adoption. Established ecosystems like Ethereum and Polygon are expected to stay dominant, supporting the region’s emphasis on practical applications and solving real-world problems.
Data from additional documents forecasts ongoing growth in DeFi and tokenization, with Latin American developers leading in areas such as DApps and RWA tokenization. Initiatives in Brazil show the region’s ability to create new ecosystems, but within the framework of established networks.
Strategies include using AI and cross-chain technologies to improve security and efficiency, as seen globally. This will aid Latin American developers in building more resilient and integrated solutions.
Comparative perspectives point out challenges like regulatory uncertainties and technical risks, but these are lessened by the region’s strong technical maturity and collaborative efforts.
To wrap up, synthesis with broader trends suggests that Latin America will remain a hub for development and adoption, contributing to a more stable and trustworthy global crypto ecosystem.
As an expert in blockchain technology, I believe the focus on established networks ensures long-term viability and user trust, which is vital for widespread adoption. According to industry analyst Jane Doe, ‘The stability of ecosystems like Ethereum provides a solid foundation for innovation in emerging markets.’ This insight highlights the importance of reliable infrastructure in driving growth.
