#BigTechStablecoin Tech giants explore stablecoin integration


Cryptopolitan

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Tech behemoths Apple, Google, Airbnb, and X (formerly Twitter), among others, are reportedly exploring the integration of stablecoins into their platforms, according to multiple industry sources familiar with the matter.
Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies pegged to stable assets, such as the US dollar. They provide the advantages of blockchain but without the volatility that has plagued more traditional crypto tokens like Bitcoin.
These discussions are occurring as demand increases for faster, cheaper cross-border payments. The positives are also obvious for tech companies like Airbnb, which are globally reachable. Accepting stablecoins could also avert steep fees charged by credit card networks such as Visa and Mastercard.
An Airbnb spokesperson said that the company is “always looking at all aspects of payments” for improving user experience, but it is also looking into digital assets.
According to previous reports, X has reportedly expressed an interest in adding stablecoin payments to its upcoming payments product, X Money.
According to sources, Elon Musk’s team has been in touch with crypto companies, and the company is in talks with Stripe about integration. The aim is to realize Musk’s ideal of an “everything app” that blends social media, payments, and commerce.
Apple is also keen on stablecoin functionality through its Apple Pay infrastructure. Sources hint the tech firm has been in talks with Circle, the minters of the hugely popular USDC stablecoin, since early this year.
Google was interested, too, it was reported. Rich Widmann, who leads Web3 strategy at Google Cloud, has called stablecoins “one of the biggest upgrades to payments since the SWIFT network.”
Stripe bets on stablecoins with bold acquisition
Stripe, one of the world’s largest payment processors, has made a bold bet. It recently purchased Bridge, a stablecoin infrastructure startup with funding from vendor capital firm Haun Ventures.
