Talking about stablecoins can sometimes feel technical or confusing, especially when the word crypto already makes some people hesitate. In this episode, we break down the steady side of crypto and show how digital dollars actually work in real life.

In this episode of Crypto, Explained, we sit down with Jack McDonald, SVP of Stablecoins at Ripple, to unpack what stablecoins are, how they stay pegged to the U.S. dollar, and why they are becoming one of the most practical use cases in crypto today. We break down how stablecoins are minted and redeemed, how reserves are held in treasuries and money market funds, what the GENIUS Act means for regulation, and why some people call stablecoins the least crypto part of crypto.

We also explore cross border payments, inflation in high risk countries, on chain money that moves 24-7, programmable payments, de-pegging risk, and how everyday users can do smart due diligence before getting started.

Jack McDonald leads stablecoin strategy at Ripple, one of the longest standing digital asset companies in the industry, and helps institutions understand how regulated digital dollars can move faster, settle instantly, and bridge traditional finance with blockchain technology.

What We Discuss:

• (00:00) Why Stablecoins Are Getting So Much Attention

• (04:12) What a Stablecoin Actually Is in Plain English

• (08:45) How Stablecoins Stay Pegged to the US Dollar

• (14:30) The Difference Between Fiat Backed and Algorithmic Stablecoins

• (19:22) What the GENIUS Act Means for Regulation

• (24:10) Cross Border Payments and Inflation Use Cases

• (30:05) What On Chain Money and Programmable Payments Really Mean

• (36:48) De Pegging Risk and What Could Go Wrong

• (42:15) How to Do Smart Due Diligence Before Buying

• (48:30) Why Stablecoins Can Be an Entry Point Into Crypto

Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Website: https://nca.org

X: @natcryptoassoc

Instagram: @natcryptoassoc

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Learn more about Ripple:

Ripple Website: https://ripple.com

Ripple X: https://x.com/Ripple

Ripple LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ripple/

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice.