Kraken & Crypto.com Set to Shake Up DeFi with Native Stablecoins in 2025: Report

Two major crypto exchanges, Kraken and Crypto.com, are reportedly gearing up to launch their own stablecoins in 2025. As competition in the digital asset space heats up, these new stablecoins could reshape the DeFi landscape, challenging dominant players like USDT and USDC. But what does this mean for traders, institutions, and the broader crypto ecosystem?

Why Are Kraken & Crypto.com Entering the Stablecoin Market?

Stablecoins have become the backbone of crypto trading, payments, and DeFi, with centralized issuers like Tether (USDT) and Circle (USDC) dominating the space. By launching their own stable assets, Kraken and Crypto.com could:

  • Enhance Liquidity: Native stablecoins would allow them to improve liquidity across their platforms and reduce reliance on third-party issuers.
  • Increase Control & Revenue: Owning a stablecoin means capturing transaction fees, managing supply dynamics, and potentially offering better yields for users.
  • Strengthen Compliance: Given increasing regulatory scrutiny, having an exchange-backed stablecoin could offer a more compliant alternative to existing options.

Potential Challenges & Regulatory Hurdles

While the move seems strategic, Kraken and Crypto.com will likely face several challenges, including:

  • Regulatory Barriers: Governments worldwide are tightening rules on stablecoins, particularly regarding reserves and transparency.
  • Competing with Giants: Tether, Circle, and Binance’s BUSD (despite regulatory setbacks) still dominate the market. Convincing users to adopt a new stablecoin will take time.
  • Security & Trust: Any concerns about backing, reserves, or exchange stability could impact adoption. Transparency will be key to building trust.

How This Could Reshape DeFi

If successful, Kraken and Crypto.com’s stablecoins could fuel new DeFi integrations, offer unique incentives, and enhance interoperability across blockchain networks. With potential cross-chain capabilities and exchange-backed credibility, these stablecoins could carve out a niche in the growing sector.

As 2025 approaches, Kraken and Crypto.com’s entry into the stablecoin space signals a new phase of competition in crypto finance. Whether these stablecoins gain mass adoption or struggle against entrenched players remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: the stablecoin race is far from over.