News & Insights

Are stablecoins a threat to traditional payment processes?

September 19, 2025

Time to Read: 2:40 mins

In this video, Walter Scott client investment manager George Dent argues that despite their growing popularity, stablecoins are not likely to usurp traditional payment methods such as credit cards soon – especially when it comes to everyday retail payments.

Key points:

Stablecoins, linked to fiat currencies, offer payment stability but compete with traditional payment methods like credit cards by enabling cheaper global money transfers, especially for crypto trading firms.
But credit cards maintain advantages such as wide acceptance, loyalty programmes and consumer protections, making stablecoins less appealing for everyday retail and travel payments.
Major payment networks such as Visa and MasterCard are integrating stablecoins into their platforms, reducing the threat they pose to traditional payment processors.

2659659 Exp: 22 December 2025

Article | Macroeconomic

The U.S. Government Shutdown

A U.S. government shutdown began on October 1, 2025, with Republicans and Democrats at an impasse over a deal to keep the federal government funded. The closure could see around 750,000 workers furloughed and cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars. Markets do not appear to be discounting a lengthy shutdown, but it is a risk and adds to economic uncertainty.

Chart of the week | Macroeconomic

Risk on?

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Report | Fixed Income

Shifting Gears

Experts from across BNY gathered to debate markets. Take a seat at the table, through this report, which shares key views from the discussions.

Chart of the week | Macroeconomic

Optimism grows among small businesses

Small businesses are becoming more optimistic, a positive indication at a time when economists are debating whether growth will slow. We view this confidence as a positive signal for future growth.