Stablecoins to Reshape Wallets and Clearing, Says Animoca Research

Stablecoins are no longer confined to crypto trading or informal markets. According to a new report by Animoca Brands Research, these digital assets are poised to reshape two critical areas of traditional finance: payment wallets and clearing systems. The shift follows new legislation in major economies that promotes regulated stablecoin use.

Animoca identifies two core opportunities in this evolving space. The first is the creation of open-source digital wallets for stablecoin payments. The second involves building open clearing houses to handle settlements, especially across borders.

Digital Wallets Built on Stablecoins

The report explains that stablecoin-enabled wallets are simpler to build than their Web2 counterparts. Developers can rely on existing blockchain infrastructure and token standards. Instead of building full payment apps from scratch, they can focus only on stablecoin minting and integration.

Retailers, e-commerce firms, and social media platforms can promote these wallets independently. With many players involved, this could trigger widespread adoption of digital payments through a decentralized ecosystem.

In countries where credit cards dominate, stablecoin wallets could change how people pay. Consumers might shift toward wallets that offer lower costs and faster transactions. This move could reduce the revenue of traditional card issuers, who profit from transaction fees.

However, networks like Visa and processors like Stripe could still benefit. By handling a broader range of currencies, including stablecoins, they might strengthen their role in the global payment system.

Open Clearing Houses for Modern Transfers

Stablecoins could also modernize money transfers by powering open clearing systems. The process mirrors how banks settle transactions today, but replaces central intermediaries with on-chain transfers and fiat on/off ramps. This setup could improve domestic banking efficiency and significantly reduce cross-border transfer delays.

Money transfer companies, which currently act as makeshift cross-border clearing houses, might face pressure. They use central ledgers and in-country liquidity pools to offer fast transfers. But stablecoin-based systems from banks could offer similar benefits without relying on private infrastructure.

Interestingly, centralized crypto exchanges (CEXs) may play a limited role here. Many operate without tapping into blockchain’s native features, acting more like traditional remittance services.

Looking Ahead

Animoca’s research suggests that stablecoins are ready to move from niche crypto tools to foundational financial infrastructure. With regulatory support growing, their impact on wallets and clearing systems may soon become visible in daily life.