Interactive Brokers Explores Stablecoin for Real-Time Crypto Transfers Amid U.S. Regulatory Easing

Interactive Brokers, one of the world’s largest discount brokerages, is exploring the potential launch of a stablecoin to enhance real-time funding and cryptocurrency transfers for its 3.9 million clients. Founder and CEO Thomas Peterffy confirmed in a Reuters interview that the firm is assessing the initiative but has not yet finalized execution details [1]. The move aligns with broader industry trends as U.S. regulators ease oversight of stablecoin projects, creating a more favorable environment for institutional adoption [2].

Stablecoins, which are designed to mirror the value of fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar, could enable 24/7 transactions without reliance on traditional banking systems. Peterffy emphasized that the company is working toward integrating real-time stablecoin funding for brokerage accounts and supporting transfers of major cryptocurrencies. However, he expressed cautious skepticism, noting, “It’s basically hard to grasp its fundamental value. If we see people adopting it and ascribing a value to it, I’m okay with that, but I’m still not convinced” [1].

Interactive Brokers is considering two primary strategies: either developing its own stablecoin or leveraging third-party tokens issued by trusted financial institutions. The latter approach would allow the firm to utilize existing stablecoins while evaluating how external tokens could integrate into its trading ecosystem [1]. This flexibility mirrors the broader industry’s fragmented landscape, where firms like Robinhood recently launched their own dollar-pegged token, USDG, through the Global Dollar Network [2].

The potential stablecoin initiative builds on Interactive Brokers’ existing digital asset infrastructure. The firm, which has a market valuation of approximately $110 billion, already supports trading in major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin through partnerships with Paxos and its stake in crypto settlement platform Zero Hash [1]. Earlier this year, the company expanded its offerings to include Solana, Cardano, and Ripple, reflecting its strategic push into the crypto space.

Interactive Brokers’ foray into stablecoins also follows a period of significant growth. Its customer base has grown 32% year-on-year as of June, with its stock price rising 47% since January, outpacing the S&P 500 Investment Banking and Brokerage Index’s 20% gain during the same period [1]. The firm recently introduced ForecastEx, a predictions market platform allowing investors to trade on real-world event outcomes. Analysts at Morningstar view these expansions—into prediction markets and crypto—as a strategic hedge against potential disruption in the firm’s core equity and derivatives business [1].

The timing of the stablecoin exploration is notable, as U.S. regulators have begun to clarify rules governing stablecoins. This regulatory shift has spurred increased experimentation among financial institutions, with Interactive Brokers positioning itself to capitalize on evolving opportunities in digital asset adoption. While the firm’s final decision remains pending, its market-leading scale and existing infrastructure suggest it could play a pivotal role in shaping the next phase of stablecoin integration in institutional finance.

References:

[1] Reuters interview with Thomas Peterffy (July 2025), Cryptonews.

[2] Robinhood’s USDG stablecoin launch and Global Dollar Network collaboration, as reported by Cryptonews.