Charles Schwab Inches Closer To Crypto Rollout, The Rise Of Crypto Banks & More

Welcome back!

This is J264G and this week I’ve got these titbits for you:

• Crypto Commitment: Charles Schwab likely to launch crypto trading soon.

• Onchain Banks: Why mobile carriers are about to become crypto banks.

• Mainstream Crypto: Fed Chair Jerome Powell talks crypto in Chicago. 

If you’ve been keeping an eye on Tether and Circle lately, you’ll know stablecoins have been on a tear—and now the numbers are starting to show just how big the momentum really is.

Now, let’s jump right into this week’s newsletter!

Click on any underlined heading/hyperlink to learn more.

Spotlight

Disruption Deployed

Launching a fintech used to mean mastering the dark arts of paperwork and legacy systems before code could be shipped.

In short: Red tape first, product later.

The good news, however, is that the old system is cracking—and stablecoin rails are filling the gaps with new momentum:

• Born global: Stablecoins are inherently borderless, facilitating seamless cross-border transactions without the need for a consortium of banks and specialised financial service providers. This global accessibility enables fintechs to serve international markets immediately, expanding their customer base and revenue potential from the outset.​

• Accelerated deployment: In finance, legacy systems frequently involve complex regulatory environments and proprietary infrastructures, which can delay product launches. In contrast, stablecoins operate on open-source, publicly available blockchain technology, enabling fintechs to build and deploy more rapidly.

• Innovation velocity: With the efficiencies provided by stablecoin rails, fintechs can concentrate on developing innovative products and delivering superior customer experiences. Freed from the complexities of legacy systems, they’re also better positioned to disrupt markets and meet evolving consumer needs.​

• Capital expenditures: By removing intermediaries—along with the proprietary data they gatekeep, the infrastructure they provide, and the fees they charge—and bypassing the patchwork of licences required across countries, states, and regions, stablecoin rails can help fintechs dramatically cut both the cost and time needed to operate globally. 

• Compliance requirements: Stablecoins offer enhanced transparency through immutable blockchain records, simplifying auditing and compliance processes. This transparency reduces the burden of regulatory reporting and helps fintechs maintain trust with stakeholders and customers.​

The adoption of stablecoins also opens avenues for fintechs to serve underbanked and unbanked populations. In regions where access to traditional banking infrastructure is limited, stablecoins provide a means for individuals to participate in the global economy, receive remittances, and store value securely. Fintechs leveraging stablecoins can thus play a pivotal role in promoting financial inclusion and bridging the gap between developed and developing economies.

In essence, stablecoins present a transformative opportunity for fintechs to overcome traditional barriers to entry, innovate rapidly, and deliver inclusive financial services on a global scale. 

The writing’s on the wall: Stablecoins don’t just move money—they also move the goalposts.

Numbers Of The Week

News Bites

Crypto Commitment: On a recent earnings call, Charles Schwab CEO Rick Wurster shared that the firm is “hopeful and likely” to launch support for spot crypto trading within the next year.

Onchain Banks: Amira Valliani, DePIN lead at the Solana Foundation, predicts mobile carriers could become crypto banks in the coming years—here's the full deep dive.

Outpacing Majors: After partnering with Telefónica in Mexico, Helium continues making waves in the U.S.—outpacing all major telecommunications companies in net new prepaid subscribers.

Mainstream Crypto: At the Economic Club of Chicago, Fed Chair Jerome Powell acknowledged crypto’s growing mainstream presence and emphasised the need for a legal framework for stablecoins.

Solana Exposure: Last week, I discussed the launch of Solana Spot ETFs in Canada. Now, Ark Invest has disclosed its first direct SOL investment through 3iQ's Solana Staking ETF—making ARKW and ARKF the first-ever U.S.-listed ETFs with direct SOL exposure.

Decentralised Energy: With 1M devices live and $1M in revenue, Starpower is gaining traction. The project is building a decentralised energy network on Solana by leveraging smart hardware, AI, and blockchain-based incentives.

Distributed Power: Fuse Energy is building an open energy network on Solana that breaks from legacy grids. With energy prices varying wildly by location, the team believes electricity should be decentralised, accessible, and fair.

Caught In 4K

Weekly Take

Keks & Giggles

And that's a wrap!

You can reach me anytime over on 𝕏.

Talk soon!

J264G

_{DISCLAIMER
None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research. Lastly, please be advised that we discuss products and services from our partners from which our team members may hold tokens/equity.}