The Modern Shift Podcast

Cryptocurrency and Stablecoin Remittances: Costs, Efficiency, and Global Impact


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This Episode examine the rapidly evolving landscape of international money transfers, specifically comparing traditional wire transfers with cryptocurrency and stablecoin remittances. Multiple documents from sources like Bankrate and the World Bank highlight the traditional system's high costs—averaging around 6.5% globally—and slow processing times, noting that blockchain-based solutions offer significantly lower fees (often 1–3%) and near-instant settlement. Sources emphasize that cryptocurrency promotes financial inclusion by providing access to the unbanked, who only require internet access and a digital wallet, while traditional wire transfers often require bank accounts. Although crypto is framed as a transformative, faster, and cheaper alternative, especially through the use of stablecoins to mitigate volatility, the sources also acknowledge challenges such as regulatory uncertainty and the inherent security risks associated with users managing their own digital wallets and protecting against sophisticated scams. The analysis concludes that crypto, despite its hurdles, is redefining cross-border payments and providing economic empowerment in emerging markets, as evidenced by its growing adoption in corridors like the U.S.-Mexico and the BRICS nations.

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The Modern Shift PodcastBy abdelhamid bou ikhessayen