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Panel

Stablecoins: Still Hype or Finally Here?

calendar_today June 2, 2025

The evolving role of stablecoins in global payments serves as the definitive bridge between the volatility of decentralized assets and the stability required for institutional finance. While early iterations were primarily used for trading collateral, the current discourse has shifted toward how these digital assets can solve the long-standing inefficiencies of cross-border settlements. By examining the role of stablecoins in global payments, this panel investigates whether the technology has moved beyond the theoretical stage to become a viable, daily utility for treasury management and retail commerce.

The technical complexity of maintaining a peg while ensuring regulatory compliance is a central theme in this discussion. Experts highlight that the role of stablecoins in global payments depends heavily on the underlying reserve assets and the transparency of the issuing entities. As central banks explore digital currencies, the private sector is simultaneously refining the role of stablecoins in global payments to offer faster, 24/7 liquidity that traditional banking rails currently lack. This session provides a deep dive into the infrastructure requirements, such as smart contract security and interoperability protocols, that will define the next decade of digital value transfer.

Furthermore, the session addresses the friction between innovation and oversight. Understanding the role of stablecoins in global payments requires a nuanced look at how different jurisdictions are crafting frameworks to protect consumers without stifling the speed of blockchain adoption.

  • Evaluation of fiat-backed versus algorithmic models and their respective impact on market stability and trust.
  • Practical hurdles for corporate adoption, including accounting standards and integration with legacy ERP systems.
  • A comparison of settlement speeds and transaction costs between stablecoins and traditional SWIFT networks.

Watch the complete panel discussion to gain expert perspectives on the regulatory and technical milestones necessary for wide-scale adoption.


Speakers
  • Lori Stein Partner, Fintech, Securities Regulatory & Investment Products McCarthy Tétrault Moderator
  • Lucas Matheson CEO Coinbase Canada Speaker
  • Eric Richmond GC & Head of Business Development Shakepay Speaker
  • Alex Mcdougall CEO Founder Stablecorp Speaker