科普｜你正在用的“美元”，也许早就不是美元了

Core Insights - Stablecoins are quietly transforming the global payment system by providing a stable digital currency that maintains a value of 1 USD, replacing traditional banking methods in various applications [1][2] - The adoption of stablecoins is driven by their efficiency in cross-border remittances, inflation hedging, decentralized finance (DeFi) transactions, and merchant payments [3][4] Group 1: Use Cases and Adoption - Cross-border remittances are facilitated by stablecoins like USDT and USDC, allowing for quick and low-cost transactions compared to traditional banking methods [3][4] - In countries like Argentina and Venezuela, stablecoins are used as a means of savings to combat local currency devaluation [3][4] - Stablecoins are becoming the primary transaction unit in the DeFi ecosystem, providing liquidity and facilitating lending and collateralization [3][4] Group 2: Regulatory Landscape - Global regulatory approaches are shifting from suppression to acceptance, with countries aiming to manage and guide stablecoin usage [5][6] - The U.S. is advancing the "Payment Stablecoin Act," which mandates licensing, reserve requirements, and audits for issuers, while the EU has enacted the MiCA regulation to ensure transparency and compliance [6] - Asian financial centers, such as Hong Kong, are establishing regulatory sandboxes to pilot stablecoin projects aimed at enhancing cross-border transactions [6] Group 3: Future Trends - Stablecoins are emerging as a "digital dollar" for global cross-border payments, facilitating labor remittances and small international trade [8] - In the Web3 environment, stablecoins are becoming essential for transaction valuation and lending, acting as a foundational financial language [9] - Some nations are exploring "sovereign stablecoins," which are backed by national currencies and issued by commercial banks, potentially serving as future policy tools [10] Group 4: Real-World Applications in Hong Kong - Hong Kong is utilizing stablecoins to address real-world issues, with several fintech companies issuing HKD stablecoins backed by real assets [11][13] - The use of stablecoins in cross-border payments has significantly reduced transaction times and costs for small businesses [13][14] - Stablecoins are integrated with smart contracts to automate payment processes, enhancing efficiency and reducing disputes [16] Group 5: Integration with Digital Currencies - Stablecoins are facilitating seamless transactions between digital currencies, such as the digital RMB and HKD stablecoins, creating an invisible payment channel [17][19] - This integration allows for real-time currency conversion and settlement without relying on traditional exchange markets [18][19] Group 6: Conclusion - Stablecoins are not just a speculative asset but are becoming integral to various financial activities, including payments, savings, and trade [20] - The evolution of stablecoins represents a quiet yet significant revolution in the monetary landscape, impacting users beyond the cryptocurrency sphere [20]