Bybit Advances Regulatory Dialogue at Argentina’s Regulation Day 2025, Spotlighting Crypto’s Role in Financial Inclusion – markets.businessinsider.com

Report on Digital Asset Regulation and Sustainable Development in Latin America

Executive Summary

At the Regulation Day 2025 event in Buenos Aires, Argentina, industry leader Bybit, alongside other key stakeholders, engaged in pivotal discussions concerning the regulatory landscape for digital assets in Latin America. The dialogue emphasized the critical role of public-private partnerships in creating frameworks that not only foster innovation but also align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event highlighted how progressive regulation of virtual assets can serve as a catalyst for achieving key SDGs, particularly those related to economic growth, reduced inequalities, and strong institutions.

Fostering Partnerships and Strong Institutions (SDG 16 & SDG 17)

Public-Private Collaboration at Regulation Day 2025

Regulation Day 2025, a key event at Devconnect ARG, served as a platform for collaboration between regulators, legislators, and private sector leaders. This initiative directly supports SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by creating a multi-stakeholder dialogue to address complex issues in virtual assets. Bybit’s participation, represented by CEO of Bybit LATAM, Patricio Mesri, and Senior Director of Policy, Mykolas Majauskas, underscored the company’s commitment to this collaborative approach.

Developing Effective Regulatory Frameworks

A central panel, “Public-Private Collaboration in Crypto: VASP’s Role in Policymaking,” explored how digital asset service providers can contribute to effective policymaking. This aligns with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), which calls for effective, accountable, and transparent institutions. Mykolas Majauskas stated, “Argentina’s openness to engage with industry, learn from global standards, and adapt frameworks to local realities is exactly what drives healthy and sustainable growth.” This approach helps build robust regulatory institutions capable of managing innovation while protecting consumers.

Advancing Economic Growth and Reducing Inequalities (SDG 8, SDG 9, & SDG 10)

Digital Assets as a Tool for Financial Inclusion

The discussions highlighted the practical application of cryptocurrencies in Latin America for promoting financial inclusion, a key target of SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Patricio Mesri noted, “In this part of the world, crypto is not about exclusivity, but inclusion… From access to capital to affordable payment methods, financial inclusion is happening on-chain.” The use of stablecoins for daily transactions provides underserved populations with access to financial services, contributing to poverty reduction efforts under SDG 1 (No Poverty).

Driving Sustainable Economic Growth and Innovation

Argentina’s progressive stance on digital assets is positioning the country as a regional hub for innovation, supporting SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). The significant crypto transaction volume—$93.9 billion between 2024 and June 2025—demonstrates the sector’s contribution to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Clear and progressive regulations are seen as essential for building consumer and business confidence, which in turn drives mainstream adoption and sustainable economic activity.

Key Outcomes and Forward Outlook

Summary of Key Findings

1. The collaboration between public and private sectors is essential for creating effective digital asset regulations that align with sustainable development objectives.
2. Digital assets are proving to be a practical tool for advancing financial inclusion in Latin America, directly contributing to SDG 10.
3. Progressive regulatory frameworks are crucial for unlocking the full potential of the on-chain economy to drive sustainable growth (SDG 8) and innovation (SDG 9).
4. Argentina is emerging as a regional leader in fostering dialogue and developing policies that support a healthy digital asset ecosystem.

Strategic Implications for Sustainable Development

• Continued dialogue between policymakers and industry stakeholders is necessary to ensure regulations remain adaptive and effective.
• Further research into the impact of digital assets on financial inclusion can help shape policies that maximize positive social outcomes.
• The Latin American model of regulatory engagement can serve as a blueprint for other regions seeking to integrate digital finance with their sustainable development agendas.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The article discusses the growth of the digital asset sector in Latin America, particularly Argentina, as a new area of economic activity. It highlights the potential of crypto to contribute to the “real economy” and foster “sustainable growth,” which aligns with the goal of promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  The focus on digital assets, the on-chain economy, and the development of a “progressive” regulatory framework positions the crypto industry as a driver of innovation. The article emphasizes positioning Argentina as a “regional hub for dialogue, regulation, and innovation,” which directly relates to building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  The article explicitly addresses the theme of inclusion. Patricio Mesri, CEO of Bybit LATAM, is quoted saying, “In this part of the world, crypto is not about exclusivity, but inclusion.” He further mentions that digital assets provide “access to capital” and “affordable payment methods,” suggesting they can reduce financial inequalities by offering services to a broader population.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The entire event, “Regulation Day 2025,” is a manifestation of this goal. The article details the collaboration between the public sector (regulators, legislators) and the private sector (Bybit, Belo, Bitso, Ethereum Foundation). The panel titled “Public-Private Collaboration in Crypto: VASP’s Role in Policymaking” and the emphasis on “dialogue” between industry and government underscore the importance of partnerships in shaping effective policy for sustainable development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation.

   The article highlights the digital asset industry as a new, innovative sector contributing to economic diversification in Argentina. The discussion around “unlock[ing] the full potential of digital assets for the real economy” points directly to leveraging technology for economic productivity and growth.

2. Target 8.10: Strengthen the capacity of domestic financial institutions to encourage and expand access to banking, insurance and financial services for all.

   The article’s emphasis on “financial inclusion” through digital assets serves as a modern interpretation of this target. The mention of crypto providing “access to capital to affordable payment methods” demonstrates how this new technology can expand access to financial services, especially in regions with economic challenges.

3. Target 9.b: Support domestic technology development, research and innovation in developing countries.

   Argentina’s efforts to create “progressive” regulations and become a “regional hub for dialogue, regulation, and innovation” represent a supportive environment for domestic technology development. The article notes that “Argentina’s openness to engage with industry, learn from global standards, and adapt frameworks to local realities is exactly what drives healthy and sustainable growth in this sector.”

4. Target 17.14: Enhance policy coherence for sustainable development.

   The core theme of “Regulation Day” is to create effective policies for the digital asset industry. The dialogue aims to establish “clear frameworks” and “effective and progressive regulations” that balance user protection with innovation, which is a clear effort to enhance policy coherence for the sustainable growth of this new economic sector.

5. Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.

   The event itself is a direct example of this target. It brought together “regulators, legislators, and private sector leaders” like Bybit, Bitso, and the Ethereum Foundation to collaborate on policymaking. The article explicitly states the event “strengthens bridges between the public sector and the tech industry,” which is the essence of a public-private partnership.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for Target 8.2: Total value of cryptocurrency transactions.

  The article provides a specific metric: “Argentina moved $93.9 billion in crypto transaction volume between 2024 and June 2025.” This figure serves as a direct indicator of the economic activity and productivity within the digital asset sector.

• Indicator for Target 8.10 & 10.2: Adoption rate of digital assets for daily transactions.

  While not providing a specific number, the article implies this indicator by stating, “More and more people are moving past speculation and using stablecoins for daily life.” Measuring the number of users or the volume of transactions related to daily payments (as opposed to speculation) would be a way to track progress on financial inclusion.

• Indicator for Target 9.b & 17.14: Existence of a national regulatory framework for digital assets.

  The article implies this by describing Argentina as a “progressive force in digital asset regulation” and mentioning that its “policymakers have incorporated it as part of broader economic reforms.” The establishment and refinement of such a framework is a key indicator of a supportive environment for innovation and policy coherence.

• Indicator for Target 17.17: Number of multi-stakeholder partnerships and dialogues.

  The article describes “Regulation Day 2025” as the “fourth edition” of the event, with “over 1,500 attendees.” This indicates an ongoing and established partnership platform. The number of such events, the diversity of participants (public and private), and attendee numbers can be used as indicators to measure the strength of public-private collaboration.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: markets.businessinsider.com