IMF Warns Stablecoins Pose Financial Stability Risks as Cross-Border Flows Surpass Bitcoin and Ethereum

Core Insights - Cross-border stablecoin flows have reached record highs in 2025, surpassing Bitcoin and Ethereum for the first time, prompting a warning from the IMF about potential risks to emerging markets [1][2][4] - The total issuance of stablecoins has exceeded $300 billion, representing approximately 7% of all crypto assets, with Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) controlling over 90% of the market [2][4] - Stablecoin trading volumes reached $23 trillion in 2024, marking a 90% annual increase, indicating a structural shift in global crypto activity [3][4] Market Dynamics - The rapid rise of stablecoin flows indicates a shift from Bitcoin and Ethereum dominance to stablecoins as a primary tool for cross-border transactions [3][4] - The combined circulation of USDT and USDC has more than tripled over the past two years to around $260 billion, highlighting their growing importance in the crypto ecosystem [4] Regional Trends - Asia has emerged as the leader in stablecoin usage, with Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East showing the fastest growth relative to their GDPs [6] - Consumers and businesses in high-inflation or capital-controlled economies are increasingly opting for digital dollars over local currencies, reflecting a clear trend in global money flows [6][7] Regulatory Implications - The cross-border nature of stablecoins presents both opportunities for simplifying remittances and payments, as well as challenges for monetary policy and financial stability in emerging markets [5][6] - Most major stablecoins are backed by short-term US Treasuries, exposing issuers to the US financial system while offering higher yields than traditional bank accounts in emerging markets [7]