Choosing the Right
#stablecoin Model
Stablecoins attract users because they are designed to hold a steady value. Before anything else, a project must decide how that stability will be maintained. In most cases, the goal is simple: keep the token pegged to $1. Achieving that peg typically follows one of three established approaches.
The most widely accepted option is the fiat-backed model. This structure is favoured by regulators and institutions. Tokens such as
#USDC and
#USDT follow this approach by holding one dollar, or an equivalent low-risk asset like U.S. Treasury bills, for every token in circulation. Its appeal lies in transparency and simplicity, making it easy for users to trust.
The second approach is crypto-backed stablecoins. These rely on smart contracts that lock up cryptocurrencies as collateral. To account for market volatility, they are overcollateralised. For example, $150 worth of Ethereum may be locked to issue $100 worth of stablecoins. This buffer helps absorb price fluctuations in the underlying asset.
The third option is the algorithmic or hybrid model, which attempts to maintain the peg through automated supply adjustments and economic incentives rather than direct backing. While innovative, this design has largely fallen out of favour after the collapse of Terra in 2022. As a result, many jurisdictions, including the European Union, now restrict or ban purely algorithmic stablecoins.
The Regulatory Reality
Regulation is no longer optional-it is the single biggest hurdle to launching a stablecoin. Each jurisdiction enforces its own framework, and non-compliance can shut a project down before it begins.
In the United States, legislation such as the GENIUS Act and the Clarity Act sets strict conditions. Issuers are generally required to be licensed banks or state-approved entities, with mandatory monthly disclosures proving reserve backing. In the European Union, MiCAR governs stablecoins and requires issuers to obtain an Electronic Money Institution license, alongside full reserve backing.
Other regions, including Hong Kong and the UAE, apply similar standards. Many require a local legal presence and reserves held in domestic currency. These requirements make entry costly. Even in relatively friendly jurisdictions like Singapore, legal fees alone can reach $50,000. In the U.S., total compliance costs can easily exceed $500,000.
Building the Technical Foundation
On the technical side, most stablecoins are built on well-established blockchains such as Ethereum or Solana due to their security, developer ecosystems, and tooling.
Regulated stablecoins must also include advanced controls in their smart contracts. These often allow authorised parties to mint, burn, or freeze tokens in response to hacks, theft, or legal orders. Without these safeguards, regulators are unlikely to grant approval.
Reliable price data is another requirement. Projects typically integrate decentralised oracle networks to track real-time market prices. Security audits are mandatory, with firms charging anywhere between $5,000 and $30,000 per audit, depending on complexity.
Bridging
#crypto and Traditional Finance
For fiat-backed stablecoins, connecting to the traditional banking system is often the most challenging step. Issuers must partner with a qualified custodian to securely hold user funds.
To simplify this process, many teams rely on “stablecoin-as-a-service” providers. These platforms offer APIs that manage custody and banking integrations, reducing setup time but adding recurring fees.
In addition, issuers must work with accounting firms to publish monthly proof-of-reserves reports. Between technology, audits, and compliance, core infrastructure costs typically range from $20,000 to $60,000, while legal expenses can span $50,000 to well over $250,000.
Liquidity is another major consideration. Launching a usable stablecoin often requires between $100,000 and $1 million in initial liquidity, plus marketing budgets of $50,000 to $150,000.
All told, launching a compliant stablecoin usually costs between $220,000 and $1.5 million and takes at least seven months from planning to deployment.
Disclaimer:
#BFMTimes provides information for educational purposes only and does not offer financial advice. Readers should consult qualified professionals before making any financial decisions.