Bitcoin News Today: Stablecoins Embody Bitcoin's Original Vision, Treasuries Miss the Point

ChangeNOW, a leading crypto infrastructure provider, has positioned itself as a vocal advocate for stablecoins, arguing they represent a more practical and scalable evolution of Bitcoin's original vision compared to institutional Bitcoin treasuries. Chief Strategy Officer Pauline Shangett, in an interview with BeInCrypto, emphasized that stablecoins are fulfilling Bitcoin's core purpose as "peer-to-peer electronic cash" by enabling seamless, low-cost cross-border transactions and remittancesBeInCrypto - *ChangeNOW’s Bold Vision: Why Stablecoins Will Win Over Bitcoin Treasuries*^[1]. This stance contrasts with the growing trend of corporations like MicroStrategy, which hold 7% or more of Bitcoin's supply, a strategy Shangett criticizes as artificial inflation of prices and a deviation from decentralized principlesBeInCrypto - *ChangeNOW’s Bold Vision: Why Stablecoins Will Win Over Bitcoin Treasuries*^[1].

The company's evolution from a non-custodial swap service to a comprehensive B2B platform-encompassing tools like NOWPayments and NOWNode-reflects its focus on building infrastructure for institutional and retail users. Shangett highlighted that stablecoins, particularly USDT and USDC, are addressing real-world needs by replacing traditional banking systems in regions with limited financial access. For example, cross-border transfers from Dubai to Singapore via stablecoins now take minutes and cost fractions of traditional bank fees, benefiting migrant workers, SMEs, and businessesBeInCrypto - *ChangeNOW’s Bold Vision: Why Stablecoins Will Win Over Bitcoin Treasuries*^[1]. This utility, she argues, is underappreciated compared to the speculative allure of Bitcoin treasuries.

Geopolitical dynamics further underscore the divergence in adoption trends. While Bitcoin treasuries dominate in the U.S. and Europe, Asia has emerged as a stablecoin hub. ChangeNOW's recent APAC expansion, including partnerships in Japan, China Hong Kong, and South Korea, aligns with this shift. Shangett noted that Japan's regulatory advancements and South Korea's vibrant crypto ecosystem are critical to scaling stablecoin adoptionBeInCrypto - *ChangeNOW’s Bold Vision: Why Stablecoins Will Win Over Bitcoin Treasuries*^[1]. This regional split mirrors broader market behavior: the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) found that stablecoin inflows reduce short-term U.S. Treasury bill yields by 2-2.5 basis points within 10 days, while outflows increase them by 6-8 basis pointsCFA Institute - *Stablecoins and Treasuries: A Fragile Funding Link*^[3]. Such interdependence highlights the fragility of linking stablecoins to traditional financial instruments.

Critics of Bitcoin treasuries, including Shangett, warn of systemic risks. MicroStrategy's $71 billion Bitcoin holdings, funded by $7.2 billion in convertible debt, exemplify the leverage and liquidity vulnerabilities inherent in corporate treasuries. Analysts like Leshka.eth have flagged the potential for a cascading sell-off if Bitcoin prices fall below MicroStrategy's average purchase price of $70,982, a scenario that could destabilize the broader market. In contrast, stablecoins offer a less volatile alternative, with Fireblocks reporting that stablecoin transactions now account for over 50% of their platform's volume, up from 30% two years agoFintech News Singapore - *Stablecoin Adoption in APAC*^[4].

The regulatory landscape is also evolving to accommodate stablecoins. The U.S. Senate's proposed GENIUS Act, backed by Vice President JD Vance, aims to establish a framework for stablecoin regulation, positioning them as a "force multiplier" for U.S. economic influenceCNBC - *Stablecoins stole the show at Bitcoin 2025*^[2]. Meanwhile, Tether's CEO Paolo Ardoino argued that stablecoins could unlock trillions in global demand for U.S. debt by integrating into mainstream financial systemsCNBC - *Stablecoins stole the show at Bitcoin 2025*^[2]. However, Shangett cautioned against complacency, noting that governments remain wary of stablecoins' potential to undermine monetary sovereignty, a concern driving central bank digital currency (CBDC) researchBeInCrypto - *ChangeNOW’s Bold Vision: Why Stablecoins Will Win Over Bitcoin Treasuries*^[1].

ChangeNOW's strategic focus on APAC reflects a broader industry trend. Fintech News Singapore reported that APAC and North America accounted for the largest gross stablecoin flows in 2024, with regulators in China Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea advancing clear policy frameworksFintech News Singapore - *Stablecoin Adoption in APAC*^[4]. This regulatory clarity, coupled with organic liquidity growth, has enabled stablecoins to transition from a crypto niche to a core financial infrastructure. For instance, DBS Bank's integration of USDC into its exchange and dtcpay's shift to stablecoin-only transactions highlight institutional confidence in their utilityFintech News Singapore - *Stablecoin Adoption in APAC*^[4].

As the debate between stablecoins and Bitcoin treasuries intensifies, Shangett's vision underscores a return to Bitcoin's foundational principles: peer-to-peer transactions and financial sovereignty. While corporate treasuries may dominate headlines, the infrastructure built by companies like ChangeNOW is quietly reshaping how money moves globally. Whether this shift gains mainstream traction will depend on regulatory alignment, technological adoption, and the ability to mitigate risks inherent in both asset classes.