Stablecoins

The popularity of cryptocurrencies has exploded over the years. Today, leading cryptos, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum and Ripple experience significant volatility. Thus, stablecoins have emerged as a solution to tackle these price fluctuations. This review will explain how stablecoins work, the different types, pros and cons, plus how you can start trading these alternative currencies.

Cryptocurrency Brokers

#1 - eToro USA

Why We Chose eToro USA

eToro US offers 24 tradeable cryptoassets, with just a 1% buying/selling fee added to the spread. Additionally, there are 80 different coins available through the broker’s proprietary wallet service. You can also practice your crypto strategies easily by switching between live and demo mode. Crypto asset investing is highly volatile and unregulated. No consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply.

"eToro remains a top pick for traders looking for leading social investing and copy trading services. With a low deposit, zero commissions and an intuitive platform, the broker will meet the needs of newer day traders."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • Coins: BTC, ETH, BCH, DASH, LTC, ETC, MIOTA, XLM, EOS, NEO, ZEC, XTZ, MKR, COMP, LINK, UNI, YFI, DOGE, AAVE, ALGO, MANA, ENJ, BAT, MATIC, FLR, SHIBxM
  • Crypto Mining: No
  • Auto Market Maker: No
  • Crypto Spread: BTC 0.75%
  • Crypto Lending: No
  • Crypto Staking: No
  • Platforms: eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader
  • Minimum Deposit: $10
  • Regulator: SEC, FINRA

About eToro USA

eToro is a social investing platform that offers short-term and long-term trading on stocks, ETFs, options and crypto. The broker is well-known for its user-friendly community-centred platform and competitive fees. With FINRA and SIPC oversight and millions of users across the world, eToro is still one of the most respected brands in the industry. eToro securities trading is offered by eToro USA Securities, Inc.

Pros

  • The $10 minimum deposit and straightforward account opening process means beginners can get started quickly
  • Investors can access Smart Portfolios for a more hands-off approach, covering a range of sectors and markets such as renewable energy and artificial intelligence
  • eToro USA Securities is a trustworthy, SEC-regulated broker that is a member of FINRA and SIPC

Cons

  • There's no MetaTrader 4 platform integration for traders who are accustomed to using third-party charting tools
  • The proprietary terminal doesn't support trading bots and there are no additional stock market analysis tools
  • There's a narrower range of day trading instruments available compared to competitors, with only stocks, ETFs and cryptos

#2 - NinjaTrader

Why We Chose NinjaTrader

You can get exposure to micro Bitcoin futures through the CME Group’s centralized exchange, which is highly regulated by the US CFTC. Micro contracts allow you to trade a fractional size of one Bitcoin, giving you more risk control and order flexibility.

"NinjaTrader continues to meet the demands of active futures traders looking for low fees and premium analysis tools. The platform hosts top-rate charting features including hundreds of indicators and 10+ chart types."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • Coins: BTC
  • Crypto Mining: No
  • Auto Market Maker: No
  • Crypto Spread: Floating
  • Crypto Lending: No
  • Crypto Staking: No
  • Platforms: NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal
  • Minimum Deposit: $0
  • Regulator: NFA, CFTC

About NinjaTrader

NinjaTrader is a US-headquartered and regulated brokerage that specializes in futures trading. There are three pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets, as well as ultra-low margins on popular contracts. The brand's award-winning charting software and trading platform also offers a high-degree of customization and superb technical analysis features.

Pros

  • Low fees are offered, with $50 day trading margins & commissions from $.09 per micro contract
  • Traders can get free platform access and trade simulation capabilities in the unlimited demo
  • NinjaTrader is a widely respected and award-winning futures broker and is heavily authorized by the NFA and CFTC

Cons

  • Non forex and futures trading requires signing up with partner brokers
  • The premium platform tools come with an extra charge
  • There is a withdrawal fee on some funding methods

#3 - Interactive Brokers

Why We Chose Interactive Brokers

IBKR lets you purchase and hold Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, and Litecoin at competitive commission rates and without needing a crypto wallet. Additionally, there is a range of other diverse assets to explore, such as crypto indices like the NYSE Bitcoin Index, as well as futures contracts like the BAKKT Bitcoin Futures.

"Interactive Brokers is one of the best brokers for advanced day traders, providing powerful charting platforms, real-time data, and customizable layouts, notably through the new IBKR Desktop application. Its superb pricing and advanced order options also make it highly attractive for day traders, while its diverse range of equities is still among the best in the industry."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • Coins: BTC, LTC, ETH, XRP
  • Crypto Mining: No
  • Auto Market Maker: No
  • Crypto Spread: 0.12%-0.18%
  • Crypto Lending: No
  • Crypto Staking: No
  • Platforms: Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral
  • Minimum Deposit: $0
  • Regulator: FCA, SEC, FINRA, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB

About Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a premier brokerage for experienced traders, providing access to 150 markets in 33 countries, along with a suite of comprehensive investment services. With over 40 years of experience, this Nasdaq-listed firm adheres to stringent regulations by the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC, amongst others, and is one of the most trusted brokers for trading around the globe.

Pros

  • IBKR is one of the most respected and trusted brokerages and is regulated by top-tier authorities, so you can have confidence in the integrity and security of your trading account.
  • IBKR continues to deliver unmatched access to global stocks with tens of thousands of equities available from 100+ market centres in 24 countries.
  • There's a vast library of free or paid third-party research subscriptions catering to all types of traders, plus you can enjoy commission reimbursements from IBKR if you subscribe to Toggle AI.

Cons

  • You can only have one active session per account, so you can’t have your desktop program and mobile app running simultaneously, making for a sometimes frustrating trading experience.
  • IBKR provides a wide range of research tools, but their distribution across trading platforms and the web-based 'Account Management' page lacks consistency, leading to a confusing user experience.
  • Support can be slow and frustrating based on tests, so you might find it challenging to reach customer service representatives promptly or encounter delays in resolving issues.

#4 - OANDA US

Why We Chose OANDA US

You can speculate on the world’s biggest cryptos by market cap. Commissions are lower than many peers starting at 0.25%. Through the broker’s partnership with Paxos, clients can spot trade cryptocurrencies on the itBit exchange through the OANDA native platform.

"OANDA remains an excellent broker for US day traders seeking a user-friendly platform with premium analysis tools and a straightforward joining process. OANDA is also heavily regulated with a very high trust score."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • Coins: BTC, ETH, LTC, BCH, PAXG, LINK, UNI, AAVE
  • Crypto Mining: No
  • Auto Market Maker: No
  • Crypto Spread: $100
  • Crypto Lending: No
  • Crypto Staking: No
  • Platforms: OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist
  • Minimum Deposit: $0
  • Regulator: NFA, CFTC

About OANDA US

OANDA is a popular brand offering exceptional execution, low deposit requirements and advanced charting and trading platform features. The top-rated brand has over 25 years of experience and is regulated by trusted agencies, including the NFA/CFTC. Around the clock support is available for short-term traders, alongside flexible contract sizes and automated trade executions.

Pros

  • OANDA is a reliable, trustworthy and secure brand with authorization from tier-one regulators including the CFTC
  • Day traders can enjoy fast and reliable order execution
  • The proprietary OANDA web platform continues to deliver a highly competitive charting environment, including 65+ technical indicators powered by TradingView

Cons

  • There's only a small range of payment methods available, with no e-wallets supported
  • The range of day trading markets is limited to forex and cryptos only
  • It's a shame that customer support is not available on weekends

#5 - Uphold

Why We Chose Uphold

You can buy and sell 250+ crypto assets with fiat currencies or in crypto pairs using the straightforward mobile app or through Uphold's browser-based account homepage. This is significantly more than many rivals. You can also earn up to 16% APY by staking one or more out of 32 valid tokens, or send tokens to an external wallet.

"Uphold remains a top choice for crypto investors looking for a one-stop-shop solution to accessing the markets. There are over 250 tokens to buy, sell and trade through flexible platform options."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • Coins: BTC, BTCO, AAVE, ALCX, DYDX, INH, XYO, API3, GHST, LSK, AUDIO, GLMR, NMR, CAKE, GODS, REQ, CHR, TRB, DAO, ROOK, XRP, ETH, BAT, ADA, ALGO, ATOM, AVAX, AXS, BCH, BAL, BTG, CSPR, COMP, CRV, DASH, DCR, DGB, DOGE, DOT, EGLD and many more
  • Crypto Mining: No
  • Auto Market Maker: No
  • Crypto Spread: Up to 1.5%
  • Crypto Lending: No
  • Crypto Staking: Yes
  • Platforms: Desktop Platform, Mobile App
  • Minimum Deposit: $0

About Uphold

Uphold is a digital asset platform offering a range of services, from crypto trading and staking to payment cards that provides rewards and easy multi-currency payments. The company was established in 2015 and has enabled $4+ billion in transactions. Uphold is now active in 180+ countries and deals in 200+ crypto and fiat currencies.

Pros

  • Uphold continues to remain ahead of the industry, often being one of the first platforms to list new crypto tokens
  • Uphold is 100% reserved which helps to protect client funds
  • Crypto staking is available on 30+ tokens with above-average rates up to 16%

Cons

  • Customer service is slow based on tests, with limited contact options
  • There is a 2.49% fee if you want to use debit or credit cards
  • The charting analysis features on the platform trail specialist exchanges

Stablecoins Explained

The straightforward definition is that stablecoins are a type of cryptocurrency that attempts to offset volatility by pegging its value to an underlying asset such as fiat currencies, cryptos, exchange-traded commodities, or via an algorithmic peg. Commonly, stablecoins come in at a ratio of 1 coin = 1 USD. Decentralized finance (DeFi) companies are typically the organisations issuing these altcoins.

Meaning of stablecoins

The purpose of stablecoins is to provide price stability so that crypto-assets maintain purchasing power despite a drop in value. For example, the value of 1 Bitcoin in 2017 rose from less than USD 1,000 to over USD 19,000 and dropped back to USD 8,000 by mid-2018. Significant intraday price swings are also common, making cryptos unsuitable for everyday use.

Stablecoins are backed by assets that are external to the crypto space. By having an asset that isn’t as affected by wild price swings, market participants can move their cryptos to stablecoins when signals of volatility are on the rise. Users can also move in and out of trades quickly while transferring assets to fiat money can take days.

How Stablecoins Work

Stablecoins maintain stability through collateralisation – with the value of the coin tied to an established asset like gold. This collateral is proof that the coin is worth the pegged amount. If the market does not have confidence in the value of the pegged coin, users will sell their coins and the price will crash. We’ve listed the common ways stablecoins are collateralised below.

How stablecoins work

Fiat-Backed Stablecoins

Fiat-backed stablecoins are those that are tied to a traditional currency with a 1:1 ratio. Commonly, stablecoins are backed by USD, though they can also be tied to the YEN, EURO or GBP. The top 3 stablecoins USDT, USDC and BUSD are good examples. Fiat backing offers the greatest certainty of a stablecoin’s value.

Typically, a stablecoin issuer will hold an amount of fiat currency and will issue the number of coins equivalent to the value of the fiat currencies in reserve. For example, an issuer will hold 1 million USD and distribute 1 million coins worth 1 USD each. This backing requires a level of trust in the issuer as it is difficult to prove that the issuer holds the amount of reserve it claims to. Risks have been mitigated through the publishing of audits, but this is not a comprehensive solution.

Tether’s USDT suffered criticism when sceptics claimed that the company did not have enough collateral to back the USDT in circulation. In 2019, a lawyer acting on behalf of Tether admitted that Tether was only 74% backed. Despite this, Tether is still popular today with the largest market share among stablecoins.

Commodity-Backed Stablecoins

Commodity-backed stablecoins are collateralised by physical assets. They can be pegged to precious metals such as gold and silver, or by oil and real estate. The most popular commodity used is gold with popular examples including Tether Gold (XAUT) and Paxos Gold (PAXG).

Gold-backed stablecoins have opened the doors to average individuals looking for global investments. Obtaining a secure location to hold gold and silver can be difficult and expensive. However, holders of gold-backed stablecoins can sell their tokens and take possession of the underlying gold at vaults throughout the UK and Switzerland. Such commodities can also appreciate in value, increasing the incentive to hold the asset.

Algorithmic Stablecoins

Algorithmic stablecoins don’t hold any assets as collateral. These stablecoins maintain their peg by algorithms and smart contracts that manipulate the coin supply in the market. The algorithmic peg increases or decreases the volume of stablecoins in circulation depending on the price of the coin.

If the price rises, an algorithm will try to maintain the 1:1 stablecoin vs fiat ratio by increasing the supply of tokens in circulation. This will alleviate the price pressure and maintain the coin’s value. If the price falls below the fiat currency it tracks, the algorithm will reduce the number of tokens in circulation.

A smart contract acts in a similar manner to a central bank’s monetary policy, detracting from the decentralised nature of cryptocurrencies. Some also argue that this method is questionable as it manipulates the money supply and doesn’t necessarily mean the peg will hold.

Crypto-Backed Stablecoins

Crypto-collateralised stablecoins are backed by another digital currency. Holders of these coins lock their cryptocurrency into a smart contract to obtain the token equal to the representative value. At a later date, the user pays stablecoins into the same contract to get their collateral back. One popular stablecoin using this structure is DAI.

As cryptocurrencies are volatile, companies tend to over-collateralise and hold more of the equivalent altcoin as a buffer against price fluctuations. Fortunately, this method is much easier to audit as a company’s collateral balance can be viewed on the blockchain.

Crypto stablecoins

Today you can also get hybrid stablecoins, which combine reserves of both fiat and crypto tokens as collateral, as well as utilising algorithmic pegs.

Benefits

Drawbacks

History Of Stablecoins

The popularity of cryptos stems from the introduction and growth of Bitcoin in 2008. Aside from significant profit potential arising from market volatility, cryptos can be traded 24/7 globally, compared to stocks, for example, that follow specific trading hours.

The underlying technology powering cryptocurrencies is blockchain. Blockchains are decentralised ecosystems, where no one person or group has control. They were initially designed to provide a financial system that is free from the control of central banks and governments.

Today, stablecoins are building confidence in the market and regularly feature in news headlines. However, banks are still wary of interacting with crypto exchanges due to the lack of oversight and the risks of money laundering and terrorist financing. And whilst cryptocurrencies are legal, there are ongoing discussions on global regulations and the implications on monetary policy. For example, FATF expressed to G20 finance ministers that risks should be mitigated immediately especially if cryptos have the potential for mass adoption. While the DeFi industry has evolved over the years, the future of stablecoins remains uncertain.

Global Evolution Of Stablecoins

The use cases for stablecoins vary around the world. In Asia, Japan is considered a forward-thinking country and adopter of cryptocurrencies. On the other hand, Hong Kong has turned to stablecoins to resist financial surveillance and internet censorship. In Europe, the ECB, FINMA and EU Commission published papers such as the MiCA proposal to regulate crypto assets, which are yet to be approved.

In the UK, HMT and Treasury Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, recently conducted a consultation on a regulatory approach to crypto assets. Central banks like the DNB and the BOE have also launched their own Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).

In Argentina, the peso faced devaluation and an annual inflation rate of over 30%. Thus, Argentines have turned to stablecoins like DAI to safeguard their money.

The USA has spearheaded much of the conversation around regulating stablecoins. The SEC, US Fed and OCC were the first entities to issue regulatory clarifications on stablecoins, while the US Treasury recently stated that banks may utilise stablecoins and blockchains for payment, opening up doors for trading stablecoins. With that said, the White House highlighted the importance of KYC verification for future regulatory frameworks.

In Canada, VersaBank aims to launch the first Canadian-dollar pegged VCAD stablecoin. Australia’s RBA has been sceptical of the use of stablecoins as a payment method, which is linked to the limited supply of Australian dollar-linked stablecoins.

On a global level, the G7 view is that no global stablecoin project should begin until regulatory and oversight challenges and risks have been addressed. So far, the FSB has published high-level recommendations to tackle this, while The World Bank aims to complete regulatory stablecoin frameworks by 2022.

In Arner’s 2020 paper called ‘Stablecoins: risks, potential and regulation’, he highlights that most legislation focuses on the role of stablecoins as a means of settlement for automated financial products. However, planned global stablecoins will also touch on other use cases such as digital payments, which regulatory responses must take into account.

How To Start Trading Stablecoins

Trading stablecoins can be done on participating exchange platforms. Popular options include CoinbaseBinance and Kraken. Each platform has a slightly different sign-up process, but usually, it requires basic contact details and a few minutes of your time.

Once registered, you will need to purchase stablecoins with a 1:1 ratio. This can be done with credit/debit cards i.e. Mastercard and Visa. Purchased coins will be displayed as an asset in your wallet. Once you’ve obtained tokens, you can convert stablecoins as often as you wish i.e. USDT vs BUSD. You can also trade against other popular cryptos like Ripple (XRP). Some stablecoins available on platforms are free, while others come with fees.

How to trade stablecoins

Binance and Coinbase both support crypto staking where traders can earn fixed interest or yield farming rewards. Often, users can migrate stablecoins from exchange platforms to hardware wallets i.e. ledger wallets.

There is also the option of transferring stablecoins into a crypto savings account. You typically won’t earn interest with a wallet but a crypto savings account can accrue interest over time. For example, coins on Crypto.com can earn up to 12% interest. On Coinbase, eligible US customers can earn 1.25% APY on USDC.

Top 5 Stablecoins In 2024

The following list contains some of the best stablecoins in 2024, based on data rankings by market capitalisation:

  1. Tether (USDT)
  2. USD Coin (USDC)
  3. Binance USD (BUSD)
  4. Multi-Collateral Dai (DAI)
  5. TerraUSD (UST)

Other well-known stablecoins include Paxos Standard’s PAX, True USD’s TUSD, Gemini’s GUSD, e-Money’s eUR and Stellar’s XLM. The top 10 best stablecoins in 2020 included DAI, USDK, SCHF, EURS and SAI. This list is far from exhaustive as new stablecoins are created regularly.

Final Word On Stablecoins

While stablecoins are still experiencing some growing pains around government acceptance and regulatory frameworks, they are an increasingly popular medium for investors. They bridge the world of cryptocurrency trading with fiat currencies and physical assets like gold. And with use cases extending beyond traditional online trading, these emerging coins also open the door to alternative investment opportunities in the crypto space.

FAQ

What Do Stablecoins Mean And Are They Cryptocurrencies?

A stablecoin is a type of cryptocurrency which pegs its value to an external asset in order to maintain price stability. Essentially, stablecoins are part of the quest for a low-volatility cryptocurrency. In comparison to other assets like stocks, cryptos can be traded 24/7, which is helping to heighten the popularity of assets like stablecoins.

Are Stablecoins Safe?

Stablecoins are a safer and more stable asset vs volatile cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. However, not all emerging coins are safe. For example, fiat-backed stablecoins face issues around transparency. In the crypto network, fiat money reserves are commonly held in offshore shadow banks. These act like a bank but are not subject to financial regulation, thus do not have legitimate backing from the US Fed, for example.

Are Stablecoins Securities?

Depending on your country’s laws and regulations, stablecoins may be considered a security, so it’s worth checking their status in your jurisdiction. It’s also worth pointing out that most related legislation is still an ongoing conversation. For example, the US Treasury is still considering new regulations that will define stablecoins as a security.

Are Stablecoins A Good Investment?

How good an investment stablecoins are will depend on your objectives. Their purpose is to maintain stability so they won’t offer the same volatility and profit potential as day trading cryptos, for example. Instead, they’re typically considered safer assets used to mitigate risk over the longer term.

Are Stablecoins Taxable?

Just like other cryptos, stablecoins may be taxable depending on how they’re used. Sales or exchanges may need to be declared with capital gains taxes potentially applied. It’s worth seeking official tax advice in your jurisdiction before you start investing.

Are Stablecoins Stable?

Stablecoins are considered a stable form of digital currency with relatively low levels of volatility. They maintain their relative consistency through collateralisation whereby coins are pegged to fiat currencies, physical assets, other cryptos, or via an algorithmic peg.

How Do I Buy And Make Money From Stablecoins

You can buy stablecoins from exchanges and platforms like Coinbase, Binance or Kraken. You can purchase coins with a 1:1 ratio and certain platforms offer reward schemes where you can earn interest by holding the assets in a hardware wallet.

Further Reading