中金：稳定币的经济学分析

Core Viewpoint - Stablecoins are private currencies pegged to fiat currencies, with USD stablecoins resembling a narrow banking model where the issuer pays zero interest on liabilities while earning interest on safe assets used for redemption [1][2][3] Group 1: Definition and Characteristics of Stablecoins - Stablecoins are a type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value, primarily USD stablecoins like USDT and USDC, which account for over 90% of the total stablecoin market [4][5] - The operation of stablecoins is similar to narrow banking, where they hold low-risk, high-liquidity assets to ensure redemption without engaging in traditional banking practices [7][8] Group 2: Economic Mechanism and Demand Factors - The supply of stablecoins is highly elastic, driven by demand rather than interest income, as holders are willing to forgo interest for the convenience provided by stablecoins [12][13] - Factors influencing demand for stablecoins include currency substitution effects, traditional cross-border trade payments, and the need for liquidity in cryptocurrency trading [14][15][16] Group 3: Cost Reduction and Competitive Advantages - Stablecoins can lower costs primarily in cross-border payments due to their competitive market structure and the ability to bypass traditional banking systems [9][10][11] - Compared to existing payment systems, stablecoins do not offer significant advantages for domestic transactions, as established platforms like WeChat Pay and Alipay already dominate the market [9][10] Group 4: Future Development Potential - The growth potential of USD stablecoins is closely tied to the dollar's status as the world's primary reserve currency, benefiting from network effects and regulatory arbitrage [19][20] - However, the expansion of stablecoins may face challenges, including regulatory responses from other countries and the inherent risks associated with private issuance [21][22] Group 5: Policy Implications - The development of USD stablecoins highlights the need for regulatory frameworks to address the inherent contradictions between private profit motives and the public good of payment systems [31][32] - For China, leveraging the scale of its digital payment platforms and promoting the use of digital currencies in cross-border payments is crucial to countering the influence of USD stablecoins [33]