The report, Crypto in Venezuela: Two Sides of a Coin examines how cryptocurrencies, once dismissed as a digital curiosity, have evolved into a pillar of financial technology innovation. Co-authors Lopez and Doucette explore how this transition is not merely an economic shift but represents the beginning of a profound transformation in the pursuit of financial autonomy and security for the global south. The other side of the coin, however, is that cryptocurrencies also present another tool for bad actors to exploit, demonstrated by the Maduro regime's use of the technology as a new route for corruption or a method to circumvent sanctions. Case studies in Venezuela demonstrate this negative impact—but also show how cryptocurrencies have emerged as tools in the battle against corruption and governmental overreach, bringing new financial freedoms and transparency.

Join us at the Wilson Center on Monday, April 29th from 11:00 am–12:00 pm for a conversation between Leopoldo Lopez, Wilson Center Global Fellow and Kristofer Doucette, Director of Intel Solutions, Chainalysis, Sigal Mandelker from Ribbit Capital, and Kellee Wicker, Director of the Science Technology and Innovation Program on this new report and long-term implications.