Fidelity Investments, one of the largest asset management firms in the US, is exploring the possibility of launching its own stablecoin after the successful introduction of their Ethereum and Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) last year.
Stablecoins Surge In Popularity: $238 Billion In Circulation
Stablecoins are a unique category of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value, typically pegged at a 1:1 ratio with the US dollar. This stability makes them an attractive option for traders looking to move funds between different cryptocurrencies without the volatility often associated with the crypto market.
The popularity of stablecoins has surged in recent years, with approximately $238.5 billion currently in circulation, according to data from CoinGecko, especially with the growing support from President Donald Trump’s administration and the now Republican Congress.
As previously reported by Bitcoinist, significant progress has been made on stablecoin legislation over the past month, with the next vote for approval expected in the Senate and House of Representatives by next week.
Tether, a stablecoin issued by a company based in El Salvador, leads the stablecoin market with over $140 billion worth of its token, USDT. Tether has found success by earning interest on the reserves that back its coin, showcasing the potential profitability of stablecoin issuance.
Fidelity Confirms Stablecoin Trials As Trump Reveals Plans For His Own Dollar-Pegged Coin
A spokesperson for Fidelity confirmed to the Financial Times that the company’s digital asset division is actively testing a stablecoin but emphasized that there are no immediate plans for a public launch.
The Financial Times first reported Fidelity’s exploration into stablecoin development, highlighting the firm’s position within a broader trend of financial institutions delving into the cryptocurrency sector.
Recently, President Donald Trump also made headlines with his support for the crypto industry, unveiling plans for his own dollar-pegged stablecoin through his venture, World Liberty Financial.
Fidelity’s exploration into stablecoins is not an isolated incident; other asset managers have also ventured into the crypto space, particularly through the launch of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) designed to track the price of Bitcoin.
These products received regulatory approval in January 2024, paving the way for broader institutional participation in the cryptocurrency market, with notable inflows into these funds not only from financial players, but also US States and pension funds.
In addition to its stablecoin testing, Fidelity has also filed to launch a tokenized money market fund, which would allow buyers’ shares to be recorded on a blockchain alongside traditional electronic records, reflecting the firm’s commitment to integrating advanced technology into its offerings.
Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com
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