What if payments worked like email — instant, global, and free? In this episode of web3 with a16z crypto, a16z crypto Founder Chris Dixon and Deal Partner Sam Broner dive deep into into the sudden rise of stablecoins with host Robert Hackett.
They unpack:
– Why stablecoins are exploding in volume — outpacing even Visa
– How traditional payment systems extract hidden fees from consumers and businesses
– Why stablecoins could be the “email protocol” for money
– What regulation needs to unlock mainstream adoption
– The overlooked structural demand for U.S. dollars abroad
– What this means for fintechs, merchants, banks, startups, and consumers & much more
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
1:45 Payments, Finance, and the Internet
4:03 The Promise and Potential of Stablecoins
9:02 Global Financial System and Its Shortcomings
11:29 The WhatsApp Analogy
15:38 The Read Write Own Thesis
19:15 The Power of Blockchains
21:06 Venmo’s Business Model
23:17 Stripe’s Opportunity
25:11 Backwards Compatibility (Like Skype)
28:13 The Role of Stablecoin Regulation
34:36 Political Realities (vs. Big Banks)
38:11 The Business Implications of Stablecoins
40:31 The Stablecoin Investment Paradox
47:07 Why Blockchains?
51:11 Tech Marketing: Words vs. Products
54:28 What Happens Next
57:26 Global Demand for Stablecoins
59:37 Learning from the Past
1:05:06 Conclusion
🔗 Related Reads & Resources:
– “A guide to stablecoins: What, why, and how” by a16z crypto editorial: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/article/stablecoin-guide-what-why-how/
– “Stablecoins: Payments without intermediaries” by Chris Dixon: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/article/stablecoins-payments-without-intermediaries/
– “The month fintechs embraced stablecoins” by Sam Broner: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/article/making-sense-of-stablecoin-news/
– How stablecoins will eat payments, and what happens next by Sam Broner: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/article/how-stablecoins-will-eat-payments/
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#stablecoins #crypto #fintech
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As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.
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