MetaMask has expanded its Mastercard-backed crypto card across Latin America, adding support for 13 countries while the card remains available in Brazil and Argentina. The product automatically converts crypto from a user's wallet into local currency at checkout and offers 1% cashback paid in mUSD. The rollout follows MetaMask's 2024 pilot and a nationwide U.S. launch announced in February.

Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies advanced Bill 4212/25 after it cleared the Economic Development Committee, moving it toward floor votes. The proposal says a future central bank digital currency, including drex, must not replace cash, be imposed as legal tender, or be used for political or ideological surveillance, and it requires safeguards to avoid financial exclusion.

Switzerland will hold a June 14 referendum on an SVP-backed proposal to embed a 10 million population ceiling in the Federal Constitution before 2050. The initiative would limit legal immigration and expand federal powers tied to infrastructure, healthcare, and social security, with an April poll showing 52% support among 16,176 respondents. Business group Economiesuisse warns the cap could conflict with EU free-movement rules and affect trade ties.

Polymarket and Kalshi have seen World Cup winner markets swell to nearly $2 billion in trading volume ahead of the tournament kickoff on June 11. A SEON survey of 588 U.S. adults found 19% plan to use prediction markets for World Cup betting, while regulators in Minnesota, New Mexico, and Nevada are challenging how these platforms should be classified under state gambling rules.

Iran is reported to be collecting about $1.5 million to $2 million per ship for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, with some payments allegedly settled in Tether's USDT rather than cash or barter. A parliament member said the proceeds are deposited into the treasury under the budget law and spent in designated areas. U.S. OFAC has cautioned maritime firms that digital-asset payments connected to Iranian blocked entities could expose them to secondary sanctions.

The Bank of Russia says the digital ruble is scheduled to launch on September 1, with 12 major banks already connected and prepared to offer related services. Officials also say the CBDC will work through the country’s universal QR payment system, which covers more than 9 million retail outlets and involves 200 banks.

The U.S. Trade Representative has cited Brazil's Pix instant-payment system in a Section 301 determination, arguing its preferential treatment can burden U.S. commerce. In Chile, authorities arrested 18 people in a two-year probe into an alleged Tren de Aragua-linked crypto laundering network estimated at $88M. Separately, Adecoagro said it is developing a bitcoin-mining project powered by sugarcane-derived energy in Brazil.

Oobit says USDT accounts for nearly all stablecoin transaction volume across most Latin American markets where it operates, including effectively 100% in Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador. The report also cites Brazil posting 202% activity growth since Oobit launched, with active users averaging 20 transactions per month, and notes the service lets people spend from self-custody wallets at Visa-accepting merchants.

Adecoagro, a Tether-owned agricultural company, is planning to start a sugarcane-powered bitcoin mining project in Brazil on July 1. The company says the first phase is designed to generate 10 MW to run 1,280 mining rigs, with an initial focus on improving energy efficiency.