The next crossroads for stablecoins: from payment infrastructure to regulation and market rebalancing

CN
3 days ago

In recent years, stablecoins have evolved from merely being a trading medium in the crypto market to being increasingly viewed by institutions as a foundational infrastructure for embedded payments and settlements. Enterprises and financial institutions have identified practical pathways for improvements in settlement efficiency and cross-border clearing costs. Consulting firms and investment banks have pointed out that stablecoins and tokenized cash are driving the modernization of payment systems.

At the same time, the market structure is undergoing redistribution. Mainstream stablecoins pegged to the US dollar are expanding their networks and enhancing compliance disclosures, attracting institutional funds and trading volumes; meanwhile, some issuers that lack sufficient audits or have opaque governance face the risk of being squeezed out of the market. Recently, several issuing institutions have adjusted their cross-chain strategies and responded to community and regulatory concerns, reflecting a rising demand for "transparency and convertibility."

The pace of regulation has significantly accelerated. Multiple jurisdictions are advancing or implementing rules related to stablecoins, with discussions focusing on the verifiability of reserve assets, redemption mechanisms, and whether issuers or platforms are allowed to pay interest to holders. The core concern of regulators is that if the scale and functionality of stablecoins continue to expand without clear rules, it could pose risks to financial stability and monetary policy. Authoritative economists and international institutions have also warned that if risks are not managed through institutional frameworks, the public sector may face a reactive situation.

In terms of product innovation, some issuers are beginning to embed stablecoins into broader infrastructure concepts: for example, some issuers are promoting blockchain layers that use stablecoins as native fuel or clearing mediums, attempting to capture more ecological value chains while improving transaction efficiency. If these concepts materialize, the role of stablecoins will shift from merely being dollar-pegged tokens to native tools that support more complex payment and assetization services.

For investors and users, the focus has shifted from "short-term returns" to "institutional sustainability." Key observation points include the disclosure of reserves by issuers and independent audits, redemption and market-making mechanisms, and the interaction rules with traditional banking systems. Stablecoins that offer high transparency and verifiable redemption channels are more likely to maintain trust in a tightening regulatory environment.

The responses from commercial banks and financial intermediaries are also noteworthy: in some countries, banks are concerned that yield-generating stablecoins could siphon off retail deposits, thereby affecting their traditional credit creation capabilities; this creates a challenging balance for regulatory policies between protecting financial stability and encouraging innovation. Policymakers must consider how to incorporate stablecoins into existing financial frameworks while avoiding stifling potential efficiency improvements.

The parallel practice of technology and compliance is becoming increasingly important. On-chain observability, cross-chain interoperability tools, and third-party auditing and compliance processes are becoming "infrastructure elements" for gaining market share. In the short term, the industry will see two parallel paths: one is a more rigorous, compliance-oriented stablecoin ecosystem; the other is innovation-focused but more flexible in compliance boundaries— the interplay between the two will determine the medium- to long-term shape of the market.

In conclusion, stablecoins are entering a turning point from "wild growth" to "institutional competition." For regulators, this is a window to grasp boundaries and prevent systemic risks; for market participants, it is a moment to place product transparency, redemption guarantees, and long-term use cases at the strategic core. Ultimately, stablecoins that can simultaneously meet compliance requirements and genuine payment needs are likely to transform the current topic's popularity into lasting financial infrastructure value.

Related: US regulators clarify spot cryptocurrency trading rules

Original: “The Next Crossroads for Stablecoins: From Payment Infrastructure to Regulatory and Market Rebalancing”

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