Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire predicts that China could roll out a yuan stablecoin within three to five years to expand the currency’s role in the global financial system.
Speaking in Hong Kong, Allaire told Reuters that stablecoins have emerged as an effective mechanism for exporting national currencies and simplifying cross-border payments.
He described the shift as a natural evolution of international finance, noting that digital money is becoming increasingly integrated into global trade.
“There is a tremendous opportunity for a yuan stablecoin,”
said Allaire.
He noted that governments seeking to increase the international adoption of their fiat currencies must now focus on underlying blockchain capabilities to keep pace with market demands.
“If there is currency competition, you want your currency to have the best features possible. This is becoming a technological competition,”
Allaire added.
It was reported last August that the country was considering yuan-backed stablecoin to boost adoption of its currency globally.
Such a move, if realised, would mark a major shift in China’s approach towards digital assets.
The country banned cryptocurrency trading and mining in 2021 over concerns about financial stability.
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