稳定币的冷与热：数字金融竞逐背后的货币主权之争｜焦点

Core Insights - The global stablecoin market is experiencing a dichotomy, with regulatory crackdowns in China contrasting with aggressive developments in international markets, such as Tether's $500 billion valuation financing and the European banking consortium's plans for a euro stablecoin [2][3] - The emergence of stablecoins reflects a broader narrative of capital flow expansion and the restructuring of financial power in the digital age, posing systemic risks despite their intended stability [4][6] Regulatory Developments - China is using Hong Kong as a testing ground for compliant stablecoin development while pushing for the internationalization of the digital yuan, indicating a strategic response to perceived threats to national currency sovereignty [3][17] - The U.S. has accelerated stablecoin legislation through the GENIUS Act, aiming to solidify the dollar's dominance and create a mechanism for global users to indirectly purchase U.S. debt [13][14] Market Dynamics - The stablecoin market has seen explosive growth, with total market capitalization increasing from $5 billion in 2019 to approximately $300 billion in 2023, highlighting a 45-fold increase over six years [7][11] - Major stablecoins like USDT and USDC dominate the market, accounting for over 90% of total stablecoin market capitalization, with USDT being the most widely used [11][12] Risk Factors - Concerns about the transparency and backing of stablecoins, particularly Tether, have been raised, with warnings from the Bank for International Settlements regarding their potential to facilitate illegal activities [6][7] - The lack of effective regulatory frameworks and the potential for market panic during liquidity crises pose significant risks to the stability of the stablecoin ecosystem [7][10] Future Outlook - The regulatory landscape is evolving, with new frameworks like Hong Kong's stringent stablecoin regulations and the EU's MiCA legislation indicating a shift towards compliance and oversight [9][10] - The competition for stablecoin dominance is likely to intensify, with emerging markets exploring alternatives to the dollar and the potential for a diversified international monetary system [15][18]