Tether, issuer of the dominant stablecoin USDT, and Bitqik, Laos’ licensed crypto exchange, have unveiled initiatives to promote stablecoin education. Their 2026 program aims to reach 10,000 locals through online courses and quarterly events in Vientiane, Pakse, Vang Vieng, and Luang Prabang.
Stablecoins like USDT maintain a steady value by pegging to the U.S. dollar, making them suitable for everyday financial transactions in emerging markets.
Tailored Education Meets Local Needs
The Bitqik Academy is spearheading this educational effort, developing content that covers Bitcoin basics, USDT payment methods, and the role of blockchain technology in financial inclusion. Seminars and roadshows will showcase practical applications, including remittances, merchant payments, and strategies for saving against inflation. Bitqik CEO Virasack Viravong emphasized USDT's local prevalence, while Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino highlighted the importance of "grassroots education" in building trust. This initiative aligns with Bitqik's broader mission to transform economies through decentralized money, currencies that individuals can control without reliance on traditional banking institutions.
Southeast Asia serves as a prime example of this growing trend. In the Philippines, stablecoin remittances facilitated by Coins.ph have dramatically reduced costs from 7% to 0.5%, benefiting millions of users. Regional trading volumes experienced a significant surge of 43% in 2025, driven by business-to-business (B2B) payments where smart contracts automate payout processes. Laos, with its increasing interest in cryptocurrency, is an ideal market for this initiative, as USDT already powers the majority of trades on the Bitqik platform.
Tether and Bitqik Collaborate to Promote Stablecoin Education in Laos
Learn more: https://t.co/Mbj5xto5ZL— Tether (@tether) January 19, 2026
Inclusion Powers Economic Growth
Financial literacy is a key enabler of economic opportunity. In Laos, where banking services are accessible to only 60% of adults, stablecoins offer an accessible and cost-effective solution for instant transfers, which is crucial for a remittance economy valued at $1 billion annually. Tether's ongoing efforts reflect a global momentum; the stablecoin market capitalization has surpassed $200 billion, with Asia accounting for half of this value, supported by regulatory developments such as Malaysia's ringgit-pegged RMJDT.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain, including the prevalence of scams targeting new users, which underscores the critical need for comprehensive education. Nevertheless, notable successes are emerging; Nigeria's peer-to-peer (P2P) trading volumes have reached $50 billion, largely driven by USDT, demonstrating the significant impact stablecoins can have for the unbanked population.
Tether and Bitqik are investing in knowledge as the primary pathway to wider adoption. This initiative aims to provide beginners with a safe learning environment and attract investors interested in Laos's untapped market potential. For those looking to explore stablecoins, the Bitqik Academy and Tether's resources offer a starting point for understanding financial futures.