Stablecoin market cap nears $300B as line between TradFi and DeFi is fading
The stablecoin market is nearing a $300 billion cap, growing 18% in the last 90 days and more than doubling since the start of 2024. Key developments include Mastercard's integration of USDG, USDC, PYUSD, and FIUSD, showcasing stablecoins' potential for faster, cheaper cross-border payments. Ashok Venkateswaran of Mastercard emphasized that stablecoin adoption will snowball as financial institutions and regulators unify. CFTC's initiative on tokenized collateral and a plan from nine European banks to launch a euro-denominated stablecoin in 2026 indicate a move away from U.S. dominance in this space. Amidst these developments, stakeholders from both traditional and blockchain finance are recognizing that adherence to legacy practices may lead to obsolescence, especially as stablecoins become more relevant. The demand for local currency stablecoins is debated, as some see minimal need in robust banking systems, while others highlight a significant need from the underbanked for USD-based accounts. Overall, the boundaries between traditional finance and blockchain are blurring, signaling the emergence of a new hybrid financial ecosystem.
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