这家互联网巨头“悄悄”推出稳定币支付

Core Viewpoint - Trip.com has launched a stablecoin payment feature for global users, supporting USDT and USDC, aimed at enhancing its overseas travel business and expanding its financial ecosystem [1][2][6]. Group 1: Stablecoin Payment Launch - Trip.com has quietly integrated stablecoin payments without a formal announcement, allowing users to pay for hotel bookings and flights using USDT and USDC across multiple blockchains including Ethereum, Tron, Polygon, and Solana [2][6]. - The payment process is simplified, requiring only a name and email for hotel reservations, thus reducing barriers for users without traditional banking access [1][6]. Group 2: Strategic Intent and Market Opportunity - The introduction of stablecoin payments is part of Trip.com's long-term financial strategy, which began with its 2013 alignment with American Express and continued with acquiring a payment license in 2020 [2][6]. - Over 80% of the global population lacks international credit cards or bank accounts, creating a significant market opportunity for seamless cross-border payments, particularly in emerging markets like Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa [2][6]. Group 3: Regulatory Challenges - Analysts note that while stablecoin payments provide a pathway for users to bypass traditional financial barriers, they face regulatory challenges including anti-money laundering, consumer protection, and asset reserve transparency [3][7]. - Trip.com has previously faced scrutiny over personal information handling and credit collection practices, highlighting the need for robust risk management as it innovates in payment solutions [3][7]. Group 4: Competitive Landscape - Trip.com is not alone in exploring stablecoin payments; major companies like PayPal, Meta, Ant Group, and Bank of America have also ventured into this space [4][8]. - PayPal has launched its own PYUSD stablecoin, while Stripe and Shopify have developed solutions to facilitate stablecoin transactions for merchants, indicating a growing trend in the industry [4][8].