Tether has announced a partnership with Bitqik, one of only two licensed cryptocurrency exchanges in Laos, targeting 10,000 people through stablecoin education programs throughout 2026.
The initiative will focus on promoting USDT adoption through quarterly events in major cities including Vientiane, Pakse, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang.
Bitqik will develop online educational content and host seminars covering Bitcoin investment and stablecoin use cases, positioning the program as expanding financial literacy in Laos.
Key Developments
The collaboration aims to build awareness of USDT through the Bitqik Academy, which will organize educational activities targeting students, entrepreneurs and communities across Laos.
Bitqik, which received its trading license from the Bank of Laos in January 2022 alongside LDX, operates as one of two regulated platforms authorized to offer brokerage and trading services for digital assets in the country.
"This collaboration reflects our commitment to grassroots education and to empowering communities in Laos with the knowledge and tools to participate meaningfully in the digital economy," said Paolo Ardoino, Tether CEO.
The partnership follows similar Tether educational initiatives in Thailand with Bitkub Exchange and programs across Africa, as the stablecoin issuer expands its Southeast Asian presence.
Context and Significance
Laos operates a pilot regulatory framework for cryptocurrency that remains experimental, with significant gaps identified by the Financial Action Task Force in 2023.
The country announced plans to end cryptocurrency mining operations by Q1 2026, redirecting power to AI data centers, while several licensed firms owe $20 million in unpaid fees.
USDT holds a $136 billion market capitalization as the world's largest stablecoin, with Tether positioning educational partnerships as expanding digital finance access in emerging markets.
The initiative follows similar Tether programs in Thailand and Africa, representing the stablecoin issuer's broader Southeast Asian expansion strategy.