Fintech Takes cover image

Fintech Takes

Fintech Takes: Will Stablecoins Disrupt Retail…or Just Disappear?

Mar 26, 2025
James Wester, co-head of payments research at Javelin Strategy & Research and former PayPal strategist, dives into the world of stablecoins. He discusses their potential to disrupt traditional payment systems, like cards and ACH, and how companies like Stripe are driving innovation. The conversation highlights exciting applications in ecosystems like Starbucks and Disney, while addressing usability challenges that must be overcome. The need for familiar user experiences and real-world incentives is stressed, pointing to a future where stablecoins enhance retail transactions.
57:44

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Stablecoins offer merchants a potentially lower-cost alternative to traditional payment methods, though they must address concerns around user experience and trust.
  • The significant investment by companies like Stripe underscores the potential of stablecoins to enhance payment efficiency, especially in closed ecosystems like Starbucks and Disney.

Deep dives

The Rise of Stable Coins in Payments

Stable coins have emerged as a significant development within the financial technology landscape, primarily driven by the increasing interest from companies like Stripe and PayPal. As these companies invest in stable coin technologies, they highlight the potential for stable coins to address inefficiencies in existing payment systems. Notably, the discussion emphasizes the practical applications of stable coins, particularly in international and cross-border payments, where they promise to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. The broader implication of this trend suggests that stable coins may provide innovative solutions to longstanding payment challenges.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode