Interactive Brokers Launches 24/7 Stablecoin Funding with USDC, RLUSD, and PYUSD Support

Interactive Brokers (Nasdaq: IBKR) has launched 24/7 stablecoin account funding, initially supporting USDC. The service allows clients to transfer funds and begin trading within minutes, regardless of banking hours. This expands the firm's digital asset capabilities and aligns with growing demand for faster cross-border transactions.

The brokerage plans to add support for Ripple's RLUSD and PayPal's PYUSD as early as next week. These stablecoins will offer similar benefits, including near-instant settlement and lower fees compared to traditional wire transfers. This move follows earlier reports that Interactive Brokers was considering a native stablecoin in 2025.

The firm partnered with Zerohash, a B2B crypto infrastructure provider, to process and convert stablecoin deposits into U.S. dollars. Deposited USDC is received on Ethereum, Solana, or Base blockchains before being converted and credited to client accounts. Zerohash charges a 0.30% conversion fee per deposit, with a minimum of $1.

Why Did This Happen?

Interactive Brokers cited a "critical pain point" in traditional cross-border funding mechanisms. Wire transfers are often slow and costly, especially for international clients. Stablecoin funding offers near-instant processing and significantly reduces transaction fees.

The move reflects broader industry trends toward stablecoin adoption. In 2025, stablecoins surpassed $300 billion in market capitalization. As of early 2026, the sector has grown to over $310 billion, driven by Tether, USDC, and yield-bearing stablecoins.

How Did Markets Respond?

Interactive Brokers' announcement has been well received. The firm's shares rose more than 3% in early trading following the announcement. The move has also been seen as a competitive advantage, particularly for international investors who value speed and flexibility. According to market analysis, the announcement has been positively received.

The broader market is showing increased confidence in stablecoins as a payment rail. Visa recently partnered with BVNK to enable stablecoin payouts on its Visa Direct platform. Other firms are integrating stablecoin acceptance into physical point-of-sale terminals.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Analysts are monitoring the potential regulatory landscape as stablecoins grow in prominence. The U.S. GENIUS Act and the EU's MiCA framework are shaping how stablecoins can be used in financial systems. These regulations could impact the speed of adoption for firms like Interactive Brokers.

Market participants are also watching the firm's plans for a potential native stablecoin. In 2025, there were reports that Interactive Brokers was considering issuing its own stablecoin. If the firm proceeds, it could further streamline its funding and trading infrastructure.

The broader trend is clear: stablecoins are becoming a critical component of global finance. As of January 2026, stablecoin transaction volumes are estimated to have exceeded $3–$4 trillion annually. This growth is accelerating demand for digital-first solutions across traditional financial platforms.