Stablecoins in the Wild: When Fintech Discovers Programmable Money

Arthur Firstov, CBO at Mercuryo, argues that stablecoins are evolving into the essential payment layer for the digital asset era, bridging the gap between DeFi and traditional finance. He predicts that every fintech company will soon function as a stablecoin company, citing projections that stablecoin payment transfers could exceed $1 trillion annually by 2030, potentially overtaking legacy networks. This shift is evidenced by mainstream adoption, such as Klarna launching KlarnaUSD on the Tempo blockchain to bypass slow cross-border routes and serve its 100 million customers more cheaply. The user base is diversifying beyond crypto enthusiasts to include digital nomads and remittance senders, especially in volatile currency regions. Firstov emphasizes that the current battleground is infrastructure—requiring multi-chain settlement, real-time routing, and compliance—to support this growth. As major institutions compete, users benefit from near-zero fees and faster settlement, ushering in a "golden era" where programmable money creates a single, efficient global financial fabric.

(Source：BeInCrypto)