For global businesses, moving money quickly and securely across borders is still a challenge. What are stablecoins? They are digital assets designed to hold a stable value, offering businesses a faster and more flexible way to move money internationally.

Stablecoins are a type of digital asset designed to hold a stable value. And while they began in the world of crypto, they are increasingly being used by businesses as an efficient way to move money in and out of markets with more speed and control. 

This guide explains what stablecoins are, how they work, and why they are becoming a useful tool for companies managing global operations. 

What is a stablecoin? 

A stablecoin is a blockchain-based digital token that is designed to maintain a stable value, usually by being pegged 1:1 to a traditional currency like the US dollar or the euro. This peg is maintained by holding reserves (in cash or equivalents) or, in some models, by using crypto collateral or algorithmic balancing mechanisms. 

In practical terms, a stablecoin moves across blockchain networks like a cryptocurrency, but its price doesn’t fluctuate like Bitcoin or Ethereum. The goal is simple: digital cash that behaves more like a dollar or euro. 

Today, the most widely used stablecoins are USDT (Tether), USDC (USD Coin) and EURC (euro-backed stablecoin). 

How do stablecoins work? 

Stablecoins exist on public blockchain networks such as Ethereum, Solana and others. The value of a stablecoin comes from the reserve assets held by its issuer (for fiat-backed models) or the rules that govern its supply (for algorithmic models). 

When a stablecoin is sent from one wallet to another, the transfer is near-instant – no intermediary bank is needed to route the payment. For businesses, this means 24/7 settlement without cut-off times. 

Most business use cases today are over-the-counter (OTC). The coins don’t move through public exchanges. Instead, businesses work with regulated providers who help them hold stablecoins and move between traditional accounts and stablecoin balances. 

Why are stablecoins relevant to businesses? 

For companies that operate internationally, stablecoins can provide: 

• Speed – settlement in minutes, not days 
• Accessibility – no cut-off times or dependency on correspondent banks 
• USD access – a useful workaround when USD rails are restricted, congested, or expensive 
• Flexibility – funds can be held in stablecoins or off-ramped into local currency through a provider 

Instead of being tied up in a traditional banking system with limited hours, stablecoins can provide a direct bridge between payers and recipients. 

Early use cases we are already seeing 

Clearing works with businesses that are beginning to use stablecoins in very specific ways: 

• Client A – Card acquirers: Customers pay in USDT (Tether) because it’s faster. Those balances are held securely and then off-ramped into their USD account. 
• Client B – Account funding: A trading client uses USDC to top up their Clearing account instantly, bypassing international transfer delays. 

These examples reflect a broader pattern: stablecoins are becoming part of treasury and payment workflows for businesses that need speed and certainty. 

Who benefits most? 

Stablecoins make the most sense for companies that: 

• Operate internationally, where cross-border payments are frequent and time-sensitive 
• Need an alternative to USD and EUR rails 
• Want more control over incoming payments 
• Want to reduce the cost of sending payments internationally 

Sectors showing early traction include trading, marketplaces, digital services, and businesses with global customer bases and suppliers. 

The value for clients 

The biggest benefit stablecoins bring to our clients is speed and efficiency: 

• Instant settlement: Payments can be received and credited without waiting days for funds to arrive 
• Simplified funding: Businesses can fund their accounts using stablecoins without friction 
• Greater control: Clients can decide when to off-ramp and into which currency 
• Integrated: Providers like Clearing can hold, manage and off-ramp funds under one roof 
• Transparent: Because every payment is stored on a blockchain, every transaction is completely transparent, so you always know where your money is. 

This is especially relevant for multi-entity or multi-jurisdiction businesses, where group companies need to move funds around easily. 

It’s also worth noting that our clients don’t have to think about blockchain or wallets themselves. From their perspective, it works much like a multi-currency account: the stablecoin on/off-ramp happens in the background. 

Risks and considerations 

Stablecoins are not without risk. Factors to consider include: 

• Counterparty risk – the stability of the coin depends on the reserves and management of the issuer 
• Regulation – rules around stablecoins are evolving quickly, so businesses need to work with regulated providers 
• Volatility in some models – while fiat-backed coins aim for stability, not all stablecoins are structured equally 

What’s next 

The US Stablecoin Transparency of Reserves and Uniform Safe Transactions (TRUST) Act – also known informally as the “Genius Act” – is an example of how regulation is quickly catching up with the scale of stablecoins. It highlights the growing importance of clear frameworks and oversight as adoption increases. 

We are seeing growing demand from businesses for faster, more flexible ways to move value across borders. Stablecoins are an emerging part of that picture. 

At Clearing, our role is to help clients use these tools safely and effectively, with the right compliance framework and infrastructure around them. You can learn more about our digital asset solutions and, over the coming months, we’ll be sharing more detailed guides on how stablecoins work in practice, their risks, and where they can add value.