Startup News: How to Leverage the Benefits of Stablecoins for Cross-Border Payments

As a serial entrepreneur and a staunch believer in leveraging technology to address global challenges, I, Violetta Bonenkamp, have seen first-hand how emerging innovations can disrupt industries and reshape entire economies. One of the most exciting opportunities I see today lies in stablecoins, a form of blockchain-powered digital currency pegged to a stable asset like the U.S. dollar. For entrepreneurs, founders, and small business owners, the evolution of stablecoins is not just an abstract concept but a tangible tool to transform the way we perform cross-border payments.

Why Stablecoins are the Future for Businesses in a Global Economy

Stablecoins have emerged in response to the inefficiencies of traditional cross-border payments. Anyone who has ever sent funds internationally knows the pain: lots of middlemen, unreasonably high fees, slow transactions, and unpredictable settlement times. According to the World Bank, the global average fee for sending remittances is a staggering 6.3% of the amount sent. Stablecoins promise to lower these costs and make sending money across borders faster and more transparent. But how do they actually work, and how can entrepreneurs utilize them effectively?

The Benefits of Stablecoins

Stablecoins address critical problems in cross-border transactions, and these are some opportunities entrepreneurs, freelancers, and businesses can leverage:

Instant Settlements:
A transaction in stablecoin takes seconds to minutes to settle instead of the 2-5 business days typically required by banks. Businesses can access their funds almost immediately, improving their cash flow.
Lower Fees:
Since stablecoins bypass traditional intermediaries like SWIFT, transaction fees can be reduced from 6-7% to something closer to 1% or lower, significantly saving costs.
Global Accessibility:
Unlike banking systems that require physical infrastructure and often exclude underserved populations, stablecoins work wherever there is internet connectivity. This democratizes global commerce.

In addition to these clear benefits for cross-border transactions, stablecoins uniquely integrate the advantages of blockchain technology, such as transparency, security, and the ability to conduct smart contracts, enabling innovative business models such as automated invoice payments.

A Practical How-To Guide for Using Stablecoins in Your Business

For entrepreneurs and small business owners ready to dive into the world of stablecoins, here’s a step-by-step guide:

Choose the Right Stablecoin for Your Needs:
Two of the most prominent stablecoins are USD Coin (USDC) and Tether (USDT). While USDC is generally known for greater transparency and regulation, USDT remains the most widely traded stablecoin worldwide. If you’re based in Europe, you might also look into stablecoins like EURC, which is pegged to the euro, or local options depending on regional advancements.
Set Up a Digital Wallet:
To manage stablecoins, you’ll need a digital wallet. Fintech platforms like Circle or MetaMask offer easy-to-use wallets that allow you to store, send, and receive stablecoins securely.
Integrate a Payment Gateway:
Businesses that want to accept stablecoins can use solutions like Coinbase Commerce or BitPay. These platforms let you settle transactions in stablecoins or convert them to your preferred fiat currency immediately.
Understand the Tax and Legal Implications:
Before diving in, consult an expert to familiarize yourself with tax regimes and reporting obligations for crypto-related transactions in your region. The European MiCA regulations are already defining the landscape for stablecoin compliance, and the GENIUS Act in the U.S. could set standards for stablecoin governance.
Partner with Payment Processors:
Fintech firms like Visa and Mastercard, which have started supporting stablecoin-based transactions, may be ideal partners if you're scaling internationally. Learn how Visa plans to integrate stablecoins like USDC at their Visa stablecoin payments page.

Mistakes Entrepreneurs Should Avoid

While the allure of stablecoins is strong, it’s crucial to dodge some common pitfalls:

Ignoring Regulatory Risks:
Regulations around stablecoins are still evolving. Entrepreneurs diving in without understanding regional compliance rules risk abrupt disruptions to their business. Stay updated on rules like the EU MiCA Regulations to ensure you stay on the right side of the law.
Not Vetting Service Providers:
Run due diligence when selecting platforms or custodial wallets for your stablecoin operations. Stick to widely recognized providers like Coinbase Pro or Kraken. Fly-by-night services may put your funds at unnecessary risk.
Lack of User Education:
If you're introducing stablecoin transactions to your business, you must educate your customers. For example, implementing a FAQs page clearly explaining stablecoin payments can help reduce confusion and build trust.
Overlooking Volatility Resistance:
While stablecoins are designed to minimize volatility, their effectiveness depends on the trust and backing of the underlying fiat reserves. Be cautious and use stablecoins audited for compliance and backed by reputable entities.

What to Expect in 2026 and Beyond

As regulators in the US, UK, and the EU catch up with stablecoin adoption, businesses will find an easier path to incorporating these tools into their operations. Entire payment ecosystems are evolving, and early-adopters will likely see the most benefit.

Data indicates that stablecoins could account for as much as 20% of cross-border payment volume by 2030, according to a report from BVNK on blockchain in cross-border payments. For entrepreneurs, this represents untapped potential, especially in sectors like e-commerce, SaaS, and freelancing, where international transactions are commonplace.

Statistics to Watch:

$32 trillion: Projected transaction volume using stablecoins in 2024.
85%: Startups using AI-powered financial solutions report enhanced decision-making efficiency.
6.3% vs. 1%: Average fees for traditional vs stablecoin cross-border payments.

Conclusion

Stablecoins are not just another trendy buzzword in the fintech space; they represent a powerful, practical tool for modern businesses, especially those engaged in cross-border trade. However, the journey from exploring stablecoin potential to fully incorporating them into your operations requires a solid understanding of the technology, regulations, and potential use cases.

Small businesses and entrepreneurs stand to gain the most, as stablecoins level the playing field by minimizing costs and enabling direct peer-to-peer payments across continents. By embracing this reality and following the guidelines above, businesses in the US, UK, and Europe can position themselves as pioneers in the global economy of tomorrow.

Start streamlining your cross-border payments today by exploring solutions like USD Coin by Circle or accessing fintech-friendly integrations with Visa and Mastercard’s stablecoin solutions. As both an entrepreneur and an evangelist for tech-driven change, I can assure you, the future belongs to those who act now.

FAQ

1. What are stablecoins and how do they help with cross-border payments?
Stablecoins are blockchain-powered digital currencies pegged to stable assets like fiat currencies (e.g., US Dollar). They enable faster, lower-cost transactions and improve transparency in cross-border payments. Discover more about stablecoins

2. How do stablecoins reduce costs in international transactions?
Stablecoins bypass traditional intermediaries, reducing transaction fees from an average of 6.3% to as low as 1%. Learn more about cost savings with stablecoins

3. What are the primary advantages of stablecoins for small businesses?
Stablecoins offer instant settlements, reduced transaction costs, global accessibility, transparency, and security, enabling businesses to optimize their cash flow. Explore the benefits of stablecoins

4. Which stablecoins are most commonly used globally?
USD Coin (USDC) and Tether (USDT) are the most prominent, alongside emerging regional options like EURC in Europe. Learn more about USDC and USDT

5. How do stablecoins improve payment speed for businesses?
Stablecoin transactions settle in seconds to minutes, compared to the traditional banking system's 2-5 business days. Discover the speed advantage of stablecoins

6. What are the regulatory risks of using stablecoins?
Regulations surrounding stablecoins are evolving globally, particularly under frameworks like the EU MiCA regulation and US GENIUS Act. It’s essential for businesses to remain compliant to avoid disruptions. Learn more about regulatory risks

7. What payment gateways support stablecoins for businesses?
Platforms like Coinbase Commerce and BitPay allow businesses to accept stablecoin payments conveniently. Explore Coinbase Commerce

8. How can businesses educate customers on stablecoin payments?
Businesses should implement resources like FAQ pages and tutorials to build customer trust and reduce confusion around stablecoin transactions. Discover customer education strategies

9. What is the future projection for stablecoin adoption in cross-border payments?
By 2030, stablecoins could represent 20% of global cross-border payment volume, offering untapped opportunities for businesses. Learn more about stablecoin adoption predictions

10. What tools are essential for using stablecoins in my business?
Digital wallets like Circle and MetaMask, regulated payment processors, and a strong understanding of tax/legal frameworks are critical for effective stablecoin integration. Explore wallets like Circle

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.

Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain

Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.

CAD Sector:

Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.

IP Protection:

Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.

Blockchain:

Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.

Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).

She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.

For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.

About the Publication

Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.

Mission and Purpose

Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.

Key Features

The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:

Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials

Impact and Growth

Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:

5,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
100+ startup tools built
5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
1,000 unique business ideas for women created

Partnerships

Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.

Recognition

Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.

Startup News: How to Leverage the Benefits of Stablecoins for Cross-Border Payments – A Guide for 2026