Key Takeaways
- Expanded Crypto Access: Interactive Brokers now allows clients to fund accounts using the USDC stablecoin on Ethereum, Solana, and Base networks.
- Seamless Conversion: Deposited USDC is automatically converted to U.S. dollars and credited to the brokerage account.
- More Tokens Coming: Support for RLUSD (Ripple USD) and PYUSD (PayPal USD) is planned for the following week.
- Solves Cross-Border Pain Points: The move targets the high costs and slow speeds of traditional international wire transfers.
- Market Momentum: This expansion occurs as the total stablecoin market capitalization surpasses $310 billion.
Brokerage Giant Integrates Stablecoin Funding
The electronic brokerage leader, Interactive Brokers, has significantly broadened its digital asset services. The firm now permits its clients to deposit funds using the USD Coin (USDC) stablecoin, marking a major step in bridging traditional finance with the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
Partnership and Process
To enable this functionality, Interactive Brokers announced a collaboration with ZeroHash, a regulated stablecoin and crypto infrastructure platform. Clients can now deposit USDC from the Ethereum, Solana, or Base blockchains. Upon deposit, the stablecoins are instantly converted into U.S. dollars and the equivalent fiat value is made available in the client's trading account.
The company plans to quickly expand its supported tokens, adding Ripple USD (RLUSD) and PayPal USD (PYUSD) in the near future. This follows a pilot program launched in December that first allowed retail investors to fund accounts with USDC.
“Stablecoin funding provides international investors with the speed and flexibility required in today’s markets,” said Interactive Brokers CEO Milan Galik. “Clients can transfer funds and begin trading within minutes, while also reducing transaction costs.”
Addressing Market Inefficiencies
Interactive Brokers positions stablecoin deposits as a solution to a "critical pain point" in global finance. Traditional cross-border fiat transfers are often hampered by high fees, slow processing times, and limited operating hours. In contrast, stablecoin transactions offer:
- Near-instant settlement 24/7.
- Significantly lower transaction costs.
- Elimination of geographic and time-zone barriers.
Broader Context: Interactive Brokers' Crypto Journey
Interactive Brokers first entered the crypto space in 2021 by offering trading in Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) on its platform. It expanded its crypto asset list in 2025, adding tokens like Solana (SOL) and XRP (XRP). The firm had also reportedly explored launching its own proprietary stablecoin earlier in the year.
The Rising Tide of Stablecoins
This move by a major traditional broker underscores the explosive growth and institutional adoption of stablecoins. The sector's total market capitalization first breached $300 billion in October 2025, fueled largely by giants like Tether (USDT), USDC, and innovative products like Ethena Labs' USDe. As of recent data, the total stablecoin market cap stands at over $310 billion, reflecting robust demand for digital dollar equivalents.
This trend aligns with predictions from industry leaders, such as Tether's co-founder, who has forecasted that all currencies could function as stablecoins by the end of the decade.
