#BigTechStablecoin Big tech companies are exploring stablecoin integration to improve cross-border payments and reduce fees. Here's what's happening¹ ² ³:

- *Companies involved*: Apple, Google, Airbnb, and X (formerly Twitter) are discussing stablecoin integration, with each company at a different stage of implementation.

- *Apple*: Exploring stablecoin functionality through Apple Pay, with talks with Circle, the issuer of the popular USDC stablecoin.

- *Google*: Evaluating stablecoins for efficient, 24/7 payments, and has facilitated two stablecoin payments already. Google Cloud's Rich Widmann calls stablecoins "one of the biggest upgrades to payments since the SWIFT network".

- *Airbnb*: Discussing stablecoin incorporation with payment partners, like Worldpay, to reduce fees from credit card processors.

- *X*: Planning to add stablecoin payments to its X Money app, aligning with Elon Musk's vision of an "everything app" that combines social media, payments, and commerce.

- *Regulatory landscape*: The GENIUS Act, a proposed bill, aims to provide a regulatory framework for stablecoins in the US. However, debate surrounds Big Tech's potential participation in the crypto industry, with some lawmakers pushing to ban tech companies from creating their own stablecoins.

- *Industry trends*: Stablecoins have seen a 90% increase in market capitalization since January 2024, reaching $249.3 billion. Partnerships between stablecoin infrastructure and tech companies are on the rise, with Mastercard, Visa, and Stripe making notable moves in the space.

- *Stripe's bold move*: Stripe acquired Bridge, a stablecoin infrastructure startup, to enable businesses to implement stablecoin payments quickly and securely. Visa has also rolled out pilots for issuing stablecoin-linked cards with Bridge.