{
  "id": 6291852,
  "title": "Trace Finance CEO: Stablecoin Scale Still Runs Through Banks",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/trace-finance-ceo-stablecoin-scale-still-runs-through-banks",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-09-08T15:38:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "PYMNTS",
    "slug": "pymnts",
    "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/cryptocurrency/2026/trace-finance-ceo-stablecoin-scale-still-runs-through-banks/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Bernardo Brites, co-founder and CEO of Trace Finance, stated in a recent Decrypt column that stablecoins will not eliminate banks from international payments, despite the potential for stablecoins to replace parts of the traditional banking infrastructure in cross-border transactions. Notable companies integrating stablecoin platforms with traditional banking infrastructure include Stripe's acquisition of Bridge, Citi's crypto custody services, and Standard Chartered's stablecoin settlement tests in Singapore. Trace Finance specializes in regulated banking and stablecoin settlement infrastructure in Brazil, the United States, and emerging markets.\n\nAn enterprise cross-border payment typically consists of three stages: local currency transfer through a domestic payment system, value transfer between institutions over a blockchain using stablecoins, and conversion of stablecoins back into local currency for deposit into a bank account. While stablecoins can expedite the middle stage, banks remain essential for the initial and final stages by providing access to fiat currency, domestic payment networks, and regulated compliance systems.\n\nAccording to FXC Intelligence, global cross-border payments totaled $208 trillion in 2025, with genuine stablecoin payments accounting for approximately $390 billion annually in late 2025. Stablecoin transaction totals often exceed $30 trillion, but they primarily involve automated trading, exchange transfers, and bot activity rather than commercial payments. As transaction volumes grow, institutions increasingly rely on multiple bank relationships, foreign exchange capabilities, and licenses to support operations in various markets.\n\nBrazil serves as an example of the constraints faced by providers seeking institutional volume in the country. Pix processed over 35 trillion reais in 2025, with B2B transactions accounting for 47% of the value. Providers seeking substantial institutional volume in Brazil must establish reliable access to real-denominated settlement, Pix, and foreign exchange infrastructure. Relying on a single bank introduces operational risks, as banks can terminate cryptocurrency programs or revise risk policies. As adoption expands, providers need multiple bank relationships, redundant local payment system access, and compliance programs tailored to each jurisdiction, which could become a competitive advantage. The GENIUS Act requires stablecoin issuers to meet bank-grade safeguards, including relationships with banks holding reserve assets.",
  "summary": "Stablecoins may replace part of the machinery used to move money across borders, but they will not eliminate banks from international payments, according to Trace Finance Co-Founder and CEO Bernardo Brites. In a column published Sunday (Sept. 6) by Decrypt, Brites said companies processing stablecoin payments at institutional scale are becoming more deeply integrated with […] The post Trace…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}