Why Amazon Walmart and Meta Are Racing to Launch Their Own Stablecoins — And What It Means for You
Why Amazon Walmart and Meta Are Racing to Launch Their Own Stablecoins : In recent months, some of the world’s largest companies — including Amazon, Walmart, Meta (formerly Facebook), PayPal, and Ant Group — have made serious moves toward launching their own stablecoins. These digital currencies, pegged to traditional government-issued currencies like the U.S. dollar, are quietly becoming the next major battleground in global finance.
So why are major retailers and tech giants so eager to create their own cryptocurrencies? What advantages do stablecoins offer over traditional payment systems? And what does this mean for the future of money — and for you as a consumer or investor? Let’s dive in.
The Rapid Rise of Stablecoins: From Niche to Mainstream
For years, stablecoins existed mostly within crypto communities, used by traders for fast, low-cost transfers between exchanges. But that’s rapidly changing.
- In 2023, PayPal launched its own stablecoin (PYUSD), which quickly reached a market cap of $1 billion.
- By mid-2025, Ant Group (China’s financial powerhouse backed by Alibaba founder Jack Ma) applied for licenses to issue stablecoins in both Hong Kong and Singapore.
- Tether (USDT), currently the largest stablecoin, boasts a staggering market capitalization of $160 billion and generates more than $5 billion in profits annually.
- Circle, the issuer behind USD Coin (USDC), went public in 2025 and saw its stock price quadruple within days, reaching a market valuation of $30 billion.
Even Meta, which abandoned its earlier Diem (formerly Libra) stablecoin project after regulatory hurdles, is once again entering the stablecoin race. And Stripe, one of the world’s leading payment processors, recently secured $1.1 billion to fuel its expansion into stablecoins.
Clearly, stablecoins are no longer just a crypto experiment — they’re becoming a core part of global commerce.
The Key Drivers: Why Big Companies Want Their Own Stablecoins
1. Cutting Out Expensive Middlemen
Traditional payment methods like credit cards involve numerous intermediaries: banks, card networks, fraud protection services, and payment gateways. Each layer adds complexity and costs.
- Credit card fees typically range from 2% to 3.5% per transaction.
- For a retailer with $100 billion in annual sales, that’s a potential $2-3 billion lost in transaction fees.
By using stablecoins within their own ecosystems, companies like Amazon or Walmart can eliminate many of these costs. Instant, peer-to-peer transfers between customers, suppliers, and vendors dramatically reduce fees and improve efficiency.
2. Faster Settlement Times
In the traditional banking system, settlement can take days. With stablecoins, transactions clear almost instantly, 24/7 — even on weekends and holidays. For global businesses managing supply chains across multiple countries, this speed is a game-changer.
3. Greater Control Over Customer Data
When retailers control their own payment systems, they also gain direct access to rich transaction data — enabling better personalization, targeted promotions, and improved customer experiences.
Stablecoins vs. Credit Cards: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Credit Cards | Stablecoins |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction Fees | 2%–3.5% | Near-zero |
| Settlement Time | 1–3 business days | Instant (seconds) |
| Availability | Banking hours | 24/7 worldwide |
| Intermediaries | Multiple layers | Peer-to-peer |
| Data Ownership | Shared across banks | Fully controlled by issuer |
Governments and Regulators: A Delicate Balancing Act
Governments have historically controlled the issuance of money, using it as a lever for economic and political power. Unsurprisingly, the rise of corporate-backed stablecoins is causing concern in many capitals.
In the U.S., the Senate is debating regulations for payment stablecoins. Senators like Elizabeth Warren and Richard Blumenthal have already voiced concerns, particularly about Meta’s renewed stablecoin efforts. Regulators worry about:
- Financial stability risks if stablecoins fail.
- Loss of government oversight over money supply.
- Consumer protection and privacy concerns.
However, despite government caution, corporate momentum is difficult to stop. With global giants already investing billions, the technology’s adoption seems increasingly inevitable.
The Broader Shift Toward Decentralized Finance (DeFi)
The rise of stablecoins reflects a deeper trend: the gradual decentralization of financial systems.
- In the past, banks were gatekeepers of capital and transactions.
- Today, blockchain-based stablecoins allow permissionless, global, near-instant transfers.
This has profound implications, particularly for people in developing countries where banking access is limited or expensive. For example:
- A freelancer in India can receive payments from a U.S. client instantly without relying on traditional banking systems.
- Small businesses in Africa can access global trade without expensive currency conversions.
As one DeFi advocate put it:
“Just like the internet decentralized information, blockchain is decentralizing money.”
Shopify and Coinbase: Real-World Adoption Already Happening
E-commerce giant Shopify, valued at over $136 billion, recently partnered with Coinbase’s Base blockchain to enable USDC payments for merchants worldwide. This is one of many examples where stablecoins are being integrated directly into business platforms.
For merchants, this means:
- Lower fees compared to credit card networks.
- Instant access to funds.
- Simplified global transactions.
For consumers, it means:
- Faster refunds.
- Greater transparency.
- Potential loyalty rewards tied to stablecoin usage.
The Risks: It’s Not All Smooth Sailing
While stablecoins offer exciting benefits, they are not without risks:
- Reserve Transparency: Stablecoins must be fully backed by safe, audited reserves to maintain their peg.
- Cybersecurity: Digital wallets can be hacked without strong protections.
- Regulatory Uncertainty: Governments may still introduce strict regulations that limit stablecoin growth.
- Market Concentration: If a few corporations dominate stablecoin issuance, new forms of monopoly power may emerge.
For users and investors, staying informed and cautious is essential.
A Glimpse into the Future: Financial Freedom or Corporate Control?
At its core, the rise of stablecoins is part of a larger conversation about financial freedom vs. centralized control.
- Governments fear losing control of monetary policy.
- Corporations see an opportunity to gain more control over their ecosystems.
- Consumers stand to benefit from lower fees and greater convenience — but must stay vigilant about privacy and security.
As one libertarian perspective suggests:
“Imagine sending ₹100 or ₹10,000 crore across borders instantly — without needing a bank’s approval or government paperwork.”
Stablecoins — and blockchain technology in general — bring us closer to that reality. Whether that future is led by governments, corporations, or truly decentralized networks remains to be seen.
Final Takeaway: The Stablecoin Revolution Is Here
The conversation around stablecoins is no longer theoretical. The world’s largest retailers and tech companies are investing heavily, regulators are scrambling to catch up, and consumers are starting to see real-world use cases.
Whether you’re a casual shopper, business owner, or investor, understanding stablecoins is quickly becoming a necessary part of financial literacy. This isn’t about hype — it’s about being prepared for how money is evolving right before our eyes
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Readers should conduct their own research or consult with a professional before making any financial decisions.