Interactive Brokers Unveils 24/7 Stablecoin Funding, Plans to Roll Out Ripple and PayPal Stablecoins Next Week

Interactive Brokers has launched 24/7 account funding using the dollar-pegged stablecoin USDC, enabling clients to deposit and trade across 170 global markets at any time. The new feature eliminates traditional cross-border funding limitations and provides near-instant settlement.

The brokerage aims to reduce transaction costs and improve liquidity by leveraging stablecoins as a faster, cheaper alternative to wire transfers. CEO Milan Galik noted that this capability supports international investors by allowing them to fund accounts outside their local business hours.

Clients can send USDC from their crypto wallets to a secure wallet generated by Zerohash on supported blockchains like Ethereum, Solana, or Base. Once received, the stablecoin is automatically converted into U.S. dollars and credited to the client's brokerage account according to reports.

Why Did This Happen?

Interactive Brokers sees stablecoin funding as a solution to longstanding challenges in traditional cross-border finance. For international investors, the speed and flexibility of stablecoins can help capture time-sensitive opportunities in global markets.

The integration is powered by Zerohash, a B2B crypto and stablecoin infrastructure provider backed by Interactive Brokers. Zerohash will charge a low conversion fee of 0.30% per deposit, with a minimum of $1, alongside blockchain transaction fees.

The move aligns with Interactive Brokers' broader strategy to expand into digital assets. The company first offered crypto trading in 2021 and has since added support for additional assets like SOL, ADA, and XRP according to Seeking Alpha.

How Did Markets React?

Interactive Brokers announced its plans to expand stablecoin support to include Ripple's RLUSD and PayPal's PYUSD as early as next week. This follows recent regulatory and infrastructure developments that have made stablecoins more attractive to institutional players.

The announcement received positive attention in the market. Analysts from major firms like Barclays and BofA have raised their price targets for IBKR, reflecting growing confidence in the firm's digital transformation.

The company also plans to offer more transparent pricing and expand its reach in institutional and retail markets. This could help Interactive Brokers remain competitive in a rapidly evolving financial ecosystem.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

The broader adoption of stablecoins for institutional and cross-border use is a key trend to watch. Ripple's RLUSD has already gained traction as collateral for firms like BlackRock, while LMAX Group is leveraging the stablecoin for cross-asset trading.

Analysts are also observing how regulatory frameworks in the U.S. and Europe shape stablecoin adoption. Ripple's recent regulatory wins, including EMI licenses in Luxembourg and the UK, highlight the importance of compliance in driving institutional trust.

Institutional players are increasingly using blockchain-based stablecoins to streamline operations and improve liquidity. The multichain expansion of RLUSD through Wormhole, for example, allows it to function across different ecosystems without compromising security or regulation.

The move by Interactive Brokers reflects the growing role of stablecoins in modern finance. As more firms adopt digital assets for trading, collateral, and cross-border payments, the demand for fast, secure, and compliant solutions will continue to rise according to reports.

Interactive Brokers' integration of USDC is a strategic step toward 24/7 trading and reduced friction for global investors. The addition of RLUSD and PYUSD is expected to expand its appeal and position the company at the forefront of digital asset adoption in traditional finance.

With stablecoin infrastructure continuing to mature and regulatory clarity improving, the competitive landscape for brokers and institutional players is shifting rapidly. Interactive Brokers' initiative signals a broader trend of digital transformation across the financial industry.