Interactive Brokers Explores USD-Backed Stablecoin for 24/7 Funding as Accounts Jump 32% YoY

Interactive Brokers Group, a U.S.-based brokerage firm with a market capitalization of approximately $110 billion, is exploring the development of a U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin to enable 24/7 account funding and instant client transfers. The initiative, first reported by Reuters on July 22, 2025, aligns with the firm’s broader strategy to expand its crypto services as U.S. regulatory frameworks for digital assets become more favorable [1]. The stablecoin would mirror the performance of U.S. dollar reserves, offering price stability while streamlining transaction efficiency for customers. Founder Thomas Peterffy confirmed the idea is under active exploration, acknowledging rising user demand but expressing skepticism about cryptocurrency’s long-term viability. “We’re evaluating how this stablecoin would function and whether it makes sense strategically,” he stated. “There’s obvious demand, but I still have my doubts about crypto’s fundamentals.” [2].

The firm’s existing partnerships with Paxos and Zero Hash already support crypto trading, but the proposed stablecoin aims to enhance liquidity by enabling faster asset transfers. Interactive Brokers may also allow deposits of third-party stablecoins, provided issuers demonstrate credibility. This hybrid approach reflects a cautious yet innovative strategy to expand crypto access while managing risk. The company’s customer accounts have surged to 3.87 million as of June 2025—a 32% increase year-over-year—highlighting its appeal to a digitally oriented demographic [3].

The move positions Interactive Brokers to compete with platforms like Robinhood, which has already launched its own stablecoin (USDG) through the Global Dollar Network. Analysts note that the stablecoin could serve as both an operational upgrade and a long-term hedge against market volatility. The firm’s shares have risen 47% year-to-date, driven by increased trading activity amid U.S. market uncertainty [4]. Meanwhile, industry peers such as Binance, with its RWUSD token, are also leveraging stablecoins to diversify revenue streams and reduce transaction friction [5].

Regulatory considerations will remain central to the project’s execution. Lawmakers in the U.S. have signaled openness to innovation while emphasizing risk mitigation, particularly around anti-money laundering (AML) and transparency requirements [6]. Interactive Brokers’ existing infrastructure and compliance reputation may provide a foundation for navigating these challenges. The firm’s track record of adopting emerging technologies—such as its ForecastEx prediction-market platform and EFT-based funding—further underscores its strategic flexibility [7].

The potential launch reflects a broader trend of traditional financial institutions integrating blockchain-based solutions. By bridging traditional finance and crypto-native infrastructure, Interactive Brokers aims to enhance user experience while maintaining its core strengths in low-cost, high-speed trading. Whether it proceeds with a proprietary token or adopts a hybrid model, the initiative aligns with the firm’s history of innovation and its position at the intersection of institutional-grade tools and digital finance.

Sources:

[1] Reuters (via Investing.com), https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/interactive-brokers-considers-launching-new-stablecoin-for-customers-4154734

[2] CoinMarketCap article, https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/6887a901fb9c334040026074/

[3] CoinMarketCap article, https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/6887a901fb9c334040026074/

[4] The Economic Times (via The), https://m.economictimes.com/crypto-news-today-live-28-jul-2025/liveblog/122939448.cms

[5] Cryptopolitan, https://www.cryptopolitan.com/binance-rwusd-tokenized-us-treasury-bills/

[6] The Economic Times (via The), https://m.economictimes.com/crypto-news-today-live-28-jul-2025/liveblog/122939448.cms

[7] Cryptopolitan, https://www.cryptopolitan.com/interactive-brokers-digital-token/