Brokerage Titan Enters Stablecoin Arena
Interactive Brokers is reportedly weighing the launch of its own stablecoin, a move that could bring 24/7 crypto funding and asset transfer capabilities to its brokerage customers. The information comes via Reuters, citing founder Thomas Peterffy, who confirmed the firm is actively exploring different approaches to enter the stablecoin space.
Although a final decision hasn’t been made, Peterffy suggested Interactive Brokers may either issue its own stablecoin or integrate a third-party token, depending on credibility and compliance considerations. The goal would be to create a frictionless funding option for crypto and traditional brokerage services alike.
This would be far from the firm’s first crypto venture. It integrated trading and custody services for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash back in 2021. In March this year, the firm expanded support to Solana, Cardano, Ripple, and Dogecoin, signaling a growing appetite for broader crypto engagement.
Wall Street’s Stablecoin Rush
Interactive Brokers isn’t alone in chasing stablecoin adoption. PayPal just rolled out PYUSD payments across 100+ cryptos for US merchants. Meanwhile, JPMorgan, Bank of America, and other banks are exploring blockchain-based capital transfer solutions as regulations clarify the path forward.
Peterffy and his team are keenly watching these developments. The GENIUS Act, signed into law earlier this year, provided the first regulatory framework for stablecoins in the U.S., laying the legal groundwork for brokerages and banks to enter the space without uncertainty. The law has helped normalize the presence of stablecoins like Tether and Circle, which now hold substantial U.S. Treasury positions and enjoy institutional backing.
Crypto Integration Goes Mainstream
Founded in 1978, Interactive Brokers is one of the oldest online trading platforms in the U.S., offering everything from stocks and ETFs to forex and options. But its move into stablecoins reflects a major shift: Wall Street no longer views digital assets as fringe.
The firm already has strategic stakes in crypto players like Zero Hash, and partnerships with regulated issuers like Paxos, which issues PYUSD for PayPal. This network gives Interactive Brokers a head start in scaling any stablecoin offering with robust infrastructure and regulatory alignment.
According to Reuters, Peterffy is being methodical. He wants credible, compliant options if a third-party stablecoin is used, but the firm is seriously considering creating its own token to give customers better liquidity and cross-asset mobility within the Interactive Brokers ecosystem.
Lower Fees, Higher Ambition
Interactive Brokers is also known for its ultra-low fees, charging just 0.12% to 0.18% per trade, without spreads or custody markups — lower than most centralized crypto exchanges. That fee advantage could become even more appealing if the firm successfully integrates stablecoin-based trading and transfers, cutting out costly intermediaries for users managing both crypto and traditional assets.
The idea is to bridge the old and new worlds of finance, and Interactive Brokers seems well-positioned to lead that charge.