Stablecoins, central bank digital currencies and the new rails of digital cash.
Mastercard is partnering with Ripple and Gemini to pilot a groundbreaking method for settling credit card transactions using the RLUSD stablecoin on the XRP Ledger (XRPL). The Project’s Core Innovation The plan involves connecting Gemini’s credit card (issued via WebBank) directly to a blockchain-based settlement system. Instead of the typical slow, behind-the-scenes bank transfers, RLUSD, … Read more
Canada is pivoting its digital currency strategy, moving away from exploring a central bank digital currency (CBDC) to focus on regulating private, fiat-backed stablecoins as the core of its national payments system upgrade. Unveiled in the 2025 federal budget, this initiative aims to integrate digital assets securely into the country’s financial framework. A Regulated Path … Read more
StraitsX, the Singapore-based company, is significantly expanding its stablecoin-based payment network across Asia, set to connect Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, and Japan with real-time cross-border settlement infrastructure launching in the second quarter of 2026. 🇹🇭🇸🇬 Initial Focus: Singapore-Thailand Interoperability The expansion kicks off with a partnership with Kasikornbank (KBank) of Thailand to achieve QR code payment … Read more
Stream Finance, a decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol, has suspended all deposits and withdrawals after an external fund manager disclosed a significant loss of approximately $93 million in the protocol’s managed assets. Investigation and Operational Freeze The Stream team announced they have retained legal counsel, including Keith Miller and Joseph Cutler of law firm Perkins Coie, … Read more
Circle’s stablecoin ecosystem, primarily driven by USDC and EURC, is experiencing massive growth in 2025, signaling a significant shift toward the efficient, real-world use of on-chain money. Key Metrics and Trends User Adoption Doubles: Circle-issued stablecoins (USDC and EURC) have reached 35 million holders, doubling the user count seen at the start of 2025. This … Read more
Coinbase has introduced the x402 protocol, a significant innovation aimed at integrating stablecoin payments directly into standard web requests. CEO Brian Armstrong views this protocol as a fundamental component of the future internet infrastructure, poised to transform digital transactions. Key Innovation and Market Impact Core Function: The x402 protocol enables stablecoins, particularly Circle’s USDC, to … Read more
Tether International, the issuer of the USDT stablecoin, reported a net profit exceeding $10 billion through the third quarter of this year, establishing it as one of the world’s most profitable privately held companies, according to an attestation report by BDO. Key Highlights of Tether’s Q3 Performance: Surging Supply: Tether minted over $17 billion in … Read more
The total monthly volume for stablecoins on the Ethereum blockchain reached a new all-time high of $2.82 trillion in October. This marked a 45% monthly growth and surpassed the previous record of $1.94 trillion set in September, as traders increasingly turned to stablecoins for yield and liquidity management during a broader crypto market slowdown. Key … Read more
Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan announced at Fintech Week 2025 the launch of a new regulatory framework for stablecoins, reinforcing the city’s position as a premier international financial center. Key Details of the New Stablecoin Framework Core Objective: The new rules prioritize stablecoin market development while ensuring stringent oversight and a focus on real … Read more
Neobank Revolut has introduced a major new feature, offering 1:1 conversion between the US Dollar (USD) and top stablecoins USDC and USDT across six major blockchains (including Ethereum, Solana, and Tron). The offering allows Revolut’s 65 million users to exchange up to $578,630 every 30 days with no fees or spreads. Revolut’s Head of Product … Read more