XRP Pursues DeFi Growth with Ethereum, Solana Integration

source:

[1] Ripple’s Bank Is About To Be A Reality - Here’s The Next Important Date For XRP | Bitcoinist.com - Bitcoinist.com (https://bitcoinist.com/ripple-bank-important- ...)[2] Revolut and Trust Wallet Launch Instant Crypto Buys in EU With Self-Custody Focus - CoinDesk (https://www.coindesk.com/business/2025/12/11/ ...)[3] Kalshi Challenges Polymarket’s Crypto Connections, Launching Tokenized Event Trading Via Phantom Wallet - Forbes (https://www.forbes.com/sites/digital-assets/2 ...)

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Dec 12 2025, 21:50

Tether Bids to Acquire Juventus FC

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Dec 12 2025, 20:14

Interactive Brokers Adopts Stablecoins, Pressuring Rivals

## Executive Summary Interactive Brokers has announced that it will now accept stablecoins for funding retail investor accounts. This decision represents a strategic move to remain competitive as the financial services industry increasingly integrates digital assets. The feature is set to be introduced through a gradual rollout, beginning with a portion of the firm’s eligible U.S. client base. The initiative signals a significant step in bridging the gap between traditional financial markets and the digital currency ecosystem. ## The Event in Detail According to the announcement, retail investors at **Interactive Brokers** will have the ability to deposit stablecoins directly into their trading accounts. This initiative is designed to enhance the efficiency and speed of funding compared to traditional methods. The firm has positioned this move as a necessary step to maintain its competitive position in a rapidly evolving financial landscape where digital assets are becoming more prevalent. The initial phase will target a select group of U.S. customers, with plans for broader availability to follow. ## Deconstruct the Financial Mechanics This integration allows investors to use fiat-pegged stablecoins, such as **USDC**, as a direct funding instrument. Unlike traditional bank transfers (ACH or wire), which are subject to banking hours and can take several business days to settle, stablecoin transactions can be processed nearly instantaneously, 24/7, on their respective blockchain networks. This mechanism reduces settlement times and can lower transaction costs, offering a more efficient on-ramp for deploying capital into securities markets. By leveraging blockchain infrastructure, the process bypasses conventional payment rails for the deposit leg of the transaction. ## Market Implications The decision by **Interactive Brokers** is expected to increase competitive pressure on other major brokerage firms to adopt similar capabilities. As investors grow accustomed to the speed and convenience of digital asset transactions, brokerages lacking these on-ramps may face a competitive disadvantage. This development is also poised to accelerate the mainstream adoption of stablecoins, normalizing their use as a standard financial tool for transferring value rather than as purely speculative crypto assets. It provides a key utility by creating a more fluid connection between the digital economy and traditional investment platforms. ## Expert Commentary and Broader Context This move by **Interactive Brokers** aligns with a broader trend of established financial companies integrating stablecoin technology. **Visa**, for instance, has already moved to incorporate stablecoins into its global payments network. **Yanilsa Gonzalez-Ore**, a senior vice president at **Visa Direct**, noted the company is at the "forefront of real-time payments and emerging technologies, like AI and stablecoins." In November, **Visa** launched a pilot program enabling stablecoin payouts in **USDC** for creators and gig economy workers, demonstrating the viability of using digital currencies for faster, more efficient global payments. These actions by major financial incumbents like **Visa** lend significant credibility to the strategic path **Interactive Brokers** is now pursuing, framing it as a necessary adaptation to modern financial infrastructure.

Dec 12 2025, 19:06

Solana Deploys Firedancer to Boost Network Capacity

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