Ripio Launches Peso-Backed Stablecoin wARS on ETH and Base
Ripio Expands Its Stablecoin Lineup
Ripio, one of Latin America’s largest crypto platforms, has introduced wARS, a stablecoin backed by the Argentine peso. The token is available on ETH, Coinbase’s Base, and World Chain, according to Argentine daily La Nación. The move is part of Ripio’s plan to integrate local currencies into blockchain networks for quicker, cheaper payments without dependence on U.S. dollars or banks.
The peso-backed token allows users to send and receive funds worldwide and could serve as a cross-border settlement tool within Latin America. Ripio said it intends to issue similar tokens for other regional currencies to create an interoperable system of stablecoins across South America.
The company said wARS would enable “global access to local money,” giving users a digital alternative to traditional remittance and platform systems that often rely on the dollar. “This initiative is part of our strategy to bring real-world assets onto blockchain rails,” the firm said in its announcement.
Investor Takeaway
Why It Matters for Argentina and the Region
The launch comes as Argentina’s economy undergoes a period of volatility despite improved inflation data. Consumer price growth sluggished to 31.8% this year from nahead 292% in April 2024 under President Javier Milei. The peso, however, remains tightly controlled and subject to capital restrictions, fueling demand for crypto assets and dollar substitutes.
Stablecoins such as Tether’s USDT and Circle’s USDC are already widely used in Argentina and Brazil, where they function as digital cash and a hedge against local currency depreciation. Ripio’s wARS adds a domestic peg to that mix, creating a local option that tracks the peso instead of the dollar.
Ripio, which serves more than 25 million users across Latin America, said the new token supports its vision of linking blockchain networks to everyday financial use. The platform earlier launched a tokenized sovereign bond and is developing infrastructure for digital representations of local financial instruments.
Broader Push Into Real-World Assets
The introduction of wARS extends a (RWAs) such as fiat currencies and debt instruments. Ripio’s approach mirrors efforts by companies in Brazil and Colombia to issue stablecoins tied to national currencies, viewn as a step toward integrating digital assets into mainstream finance.
By placing wARS on multiple blockchains, including ETH and Base, Ripio viewks to ensure liquidity and accessibility across DeFi platforms. Analysts say peso-backed tokens could gain traction among freelancers, exporters, and cross-border businesses that already use stablecoins to move money between markets like Argentina, Brazil, and Chile.
The initiative could also appeal to regional fintechs exploring local-currency settlements, particularly if future versions of wARS extend to networks with lower fees or interoperability with other Latin American tokens.
Investor Takeaway
What Comes Next
Ripio’s plan to roll out stablecoins tied to other Latin American currencies could support local settlements between regional businesses and financial institutions. If successful, it would create one of the first multi-currency stablecoin ecosystems designed for emerging markets. The company’s ongoing focus on blockchain-based financial infrastructure suggests it views stablecoins as a long-term alternative to traditional cross-border banking.
While regulatory uncertainty remains in parts of the region, Argentina’s continued economic turbulence has made part of commerce. For Ripio, wARS could strengthen its position as a homegrown alternative to global stablecoin issuers while giving users exposure to peso-linked value without the friction of traditional banking channels.
