Key Points Ethena USDe and Dai are both “crypto-native” stablecoins that don’t hold U.S. dollars. Ethena tries to balance long and short crypto trades to stay pegged to the U.S. dollar. Dai pegs itself to the U.S. dollar and uses smart contracts to hold crypto assets as collateral. 10 stocks we like better than Ethena USDe › Most cryptocurrencies aren't safe investments for conservative investors. But over the past decade, stablecoins -- which are cryptocurrencies tethered to the U.S. dollar and ...

Core Viewpoint - The introduction of the U.S. stablecoin regulatory framework marks a significant shift in the legal status and mainstream acceptance of stablecoins, particularly dollar-pegged stablecoins, which are now officially recognized by the U.S. government [1][6]. Regulatory Framework - The U.S. stablecoin regulation requires issuers to ensure that their tokens are pegged to the U.S. dollar at a 1:1 ratio and mandates that the funds obtained from issuing tokens be reserved or invested in highly liquid U.S. dollar assets, including cash, bank deposits, and U.S. Treasury securities [6][9]. - This regulatory framework aims to promote the development of dollar stablecoins to support U.S. economic and financial strategic goals [1][8]. Global Impact - The U.S. stablecoin regulation is expected to have a profound impact on the global financial system, potentially altering its development direction and structure [1][8]. - The expansion of dollar stablecoins is anticipated to create new demand for U.S. Treasury securities, as the growing global user base of these stablecoins will become a significant buyer of U.S. debt [8]. Stablecoin Definition and Mechanism - Stablecoins are a type of cryptocurrency that maintains a stable value by being pegged to a fiat currency or other stable assets, distinguishing them from more volatile cryptocurrencies [9]. - The operational mechanism of stablecoins involves anchoring to assets to maintain price stability, with dollar stablecoins typically requiring a 1:1 backing with U.S. dollars or equivalent assets [9][12]. Market Overview - The two largest stablecoins by market capitalization are Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC), which together account for approximately 90% of the total market capitalization of stablecoins [10]. - USDT is issued by Tether and is backed by U.S. dollar-related assets, while USDC is issued by Circle and is similarly backed by high liquidity assets, ensuring transparency through third-party audits [12].

Group 1: Stablecoin Overview - Stablecoins are digital currencies anchored to a reference value, primarily traditional financial assets, with Tether (USDT) and USDC being the largest, valued at $156.7 billion and $61.8 billion respectively, together accounting for over 85% of the total market[30] - The total market capitalization of stablecoins reached approximately $232 billion by March 2025, a nearly 45-fold increase from $5.2 billion at the end of 2019[31] - Stablecoin transaction volume approached $35.5 trillion in the past 12 months, with $7.4 trillion in payments settled, indicating significant growth compared to traditional payment platforms like PayPal and Mastercard[36] Group 2: Regulatory Developments - The U.S. is enhancing its stablecoin regulatory framework through the STABLE Act and GENIUS Act, requiring a 1:1 reserve ratio with assets like U.S. dollars or short-term U.S. Treasury securities[54] - U.S. stablecoins, particularly USDT and USDC, hold over $170 billion in U.S. Treasury securities, ranking them as the 17th largest holder, surpassing countries like Germany and South Korea[48] - Hong Kong's Stablecoin Ordinance, effective August 1, 2025, allows for a more inclusive regulatory environment, permitting reserves in multiple currencies and maintaining a 1:1 reserve requirement[63] Group 3: Market Implications - Stablecoins are expected to play a crucial role in reshaping the international financial system, particularly in cross-border payments, due to their efficiency and low costs[70] - The integration of stablecoins with Real World Assets (RWA) is anticipated to create a sustainable growth environment, leveraging blockchain technology to enhance trust and efficiency in asset transactions[74] - The demand for decentralized and efficient payment solutions is increasing as countries seek to reduce reliance on traditional dollar-based systems amid geopolitical tensions[70]

Core Viewpoint - The discussion on stablecoins highlights their role in enhancing global monetary policy coordination, innovating cross-border payments, and constructing regulatory frameworks, with a focus on the implications of dollar-pegged stablecoins and the need for careful consideration of their impact on economic sovereignty and financial stability [5][6][7]. Group 1: Introduction and Definition - Stablecoins are a special type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain price stability by pegging to fiat currencies, physical assets, or algorithmic mechanisms, making them suitable for payment mediums and value storage tools [14][15]. - The global stablecoin market has seen significant growth, with a total market value exceeding hundreds of billions, and USDT and USDC accounting for nearly 90% of the market share [19][19]. Group 2: Market Environment and Demand - Traditional cross-border payments face challenges such as long processing times and high fees, while stablecoins can facilitate near-instantaneous and low-cost transactions, enhancing global supply chain efficiency [20]. - The decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem relies heavily on stablecoins as core assets for lending, trading, and derivatives, directly affecting the health of the DeFi market [21]. - Traditional financial institutions are exploring stablecoin issuance to improve payment efficiency and expand business boundaries, as seen with JPM Coin [22]. Group 3: Types of Companies Issuing Stablecoins - Financial technology companies, such as SFJC and XD Technology, are well-positioned to issue stablecoins due to their expertise in blockchain and digital currency technologies [23]. - Cross-border payment companies, like HLJH and LKL, have the necessary licenses and technology to support stablecoin circulation in international transactions [24]. - Companies with relevant licenses or compliance qualifications, such as the issuer of USDC, are also capable of issuing stablecoins [25]. Group 4: Positive Impacts of Issuing Stablecoins - Stablecoins can significantly enhance cross-border payment efficiency and reduce costs, as they allow for real-time transactions without relying on traditional banking systems [31]. - They provide a stable trading medium in the volatile cryptocurrency market, allowing investors to mitigate risks associated with price fluctuations [32]. - The issuance of stablecoins can drive financial inclusion by lowering barriers to entry for financial services, particularly in underserved regions [33]. - Stablecoins can attract new participants and capital into the financial market, bridging traditional finance and cryptocurrency [34]. - Companies can generate revenue through interest on reserves, as demonstrated by Circle's USDC, which significantly contributes to its overall revenue [35]. Group 5: Regulatory Environment and Challenges - The regulatory landscape for stablecoins varies significantly across jurisdictions, with the U.S. and Hong Kong implementing specific requirements for issuance, including licensing and reserve management [86][91]. - Companies must navigate complex compliance requirements, including maintaining high liquidity reserves and adhering to anti-money laundering regulations [108][109]. - The potential for regulatory changes poses risks to stablecoin projects, as seen in instances where sudden policy shifts have impacted market confidence [39]. Group 6: Future Trends and Considerations - The future of stablecoins is likely to involve stricter regulations and a focus on compliance, as well as the expansion of application scenarios beyond traditional finance [115]. - Companies must consider market demand and operational capabilities when planning stablecoin issuance, ensuring alignment with existing business models [66][67]. - The competitive landscape will require companies to differentiate their stablecoin offerings and stay informed about regulatory developments to ensure sustainable operations [70][71].