Stablecoins and the Future of Cross-Border Payments: Bridging the Gap

Stablecoins are rapidly transforming cross-border payments, offering faster, cheaper, and more transparent transactions. This session will demystify stablecoins, explaining their mechanics and how they differ from traditional cryptocurrencies and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). We’ll explore recent pilots by SWIFT and the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) that examine stablecoin integration within existing financial infrastructure, highlighting their potential to streamline cross-border flows. The discussion will cover key implications, including regulatory considerations and the interplay between stablecoins and CBDCs, referencing notable publications such as the BIS’s Project Mariana report and SWIFT’s white papers on tokenized asset transaction management. Additionally, we’ll examine how stablecoins could enhance financial inclusion and reduce reliance on traditional correspondent banking networks. Attendees will leave with a comprehensive understanding of stablecoins’ role in shaping the future of global payments.