Each company is at distinct stages of this exploration. For instance, Airbnb is engaging with payment processor Worldpay to devise a stablecoin payment solution that could lower costs associated with credit card processors like Visa and Mastercard. X is also in discussions with crypto firms to incorporate stablecoins into its new X Money app, which Elon Musk envisions will allow users to send and receive digital currency. The situation continues to evolve as X seeks to secure money transmitter licenses across the U.S.
As stablecoins gain traction, their market capitalization surged to $249.3 billion in early 2024, up from $131.3 billion at the year’s beginning—an increase of nearly 90%. Collaborations between stablecoin infrastructure providers and tech companies are also on the rise, with notable alliances formed, such as Mastercard working with MoonPay and Visa partnering with Bridge. Recently, Stripe's $1.1 billion acquisition of Bridge was seen as a significant step toward widespread adoption of stablecoin technology within the tech community.
Paxos, a notable stablecoin issuer, has aligned with Stripe and PayPal to deliver innovative services. For example, Paxos supports PayPal’s PYUSD stablecoin, which holds a market capitalization of around $978 million.
The ongoing discussion surrounding the "Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act," or GENIUS Act, highlights the regulatory framework for stablecoins and their issuers. However, the bill is contentious; Senator Josh Hawley announced opposition to its current form, citing concerns over competition with the U.S. dollar. In contrast, Democrats are reportedly considering amendments to prevent tech companies from issuing their own stablecoins, compelling them to use established entities like Tether or Circle instead.