As global commerce rapidly expands, the gap between modern economic demands and outdated payment infrastructure continues to widen. Traditional systems—plagued by high fees, long processing times, and limited access—are increasingly failing businesses and individuals, especially in emerging markets. But a quiet revolution is already underway: stablecoins and on-chain liquidity providers are stepping in to reshape the financial landscape.
Traditional Payments: Too Slow, Too Expensive
Despite decades of globalization, international payments remain cumbersome. Platforms like SWIFT, while widely used, are notorious for inefficiencies—only 66% of transactions arrive within 24 hours, and delays of up to a month are not uncommon. Layers of compliance checks, intermediary banks, and foreign exchange conversions make cross-border payments both costly and slow.
Even modern fintech platforms such as Wise, PayPal, and Stripe, though more user-friendly, still rely on legacy banking rails. As global cross-border settlements balloon—projected to exceed $290 trillion by 2030—the demand for faster, cheaper, and more transparent solutions has never been greater.
Enter Stablecoins and On-Chain Liquidity
Stablecoins, like Tether (USDT), are cryptocurrencies pegged to fiat currencies, offering the stability of traditional money with the speed and accessibility of blockchain technology. Operating 24/7 without intermediaries, stablecoins enable instant, low-cost, and transparent transactions.
However, the real game-changer lies in on-chain liquidity providers such as MANSA, which power these transactions by enabling seamless currency conversion directly on the blockchain. With these tools, businesses can bypass banks and middlemen entirely.
Take, for instance, a Nigerian supplier receiving payment from a European buyer. Instead of enduring multiple conversions and hefty fees, the supplier can now accept USDT and convert it instantly into naira using MANSA’s liquidity pools—no delays, no unnecessary costs.
Underserved Markets: The Biggest Beneficiaries
Emerging markets like Africa and Latin America stand to gain the most from this transformation. In Brazil, stablecoins accounted for nearly 70% of crypto transactions in 2024, with the country importing over $12.9 billion in crypto—a 60.7% increase from the previous year.
These trends highlight how stablecoins and on-chain infrastructure are solving real-world problems, from remittance delays to lack of access to traditional banking.
A Complement, Not a Replacement
Contrary to fears, stablecoins aren’t here to overthrow traditional finance—they’re here to enhance it. In fact, major institutions are already integrating them. Wise recently became the first foreign entity to tap into Japan’s Zengin payment network, reducing cross-border fees by eliminating intermediaries.
The shift from legacy systems to blockchain-based solutions is already happening. As demand for real-time, affordable, and borderless payments grows, stablecoins and on-chain liquidity providers are positioned not just as disruptors—but as the backbone of a more inclusive global financial system.
