Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), one of the largest banks in Thailand, has launched a stablecoin-based cross-border payment solution, which includes remittance services. This new initiative successfully emerged from the regulatory sandbox of the Bank of Thailand in October 2024.<\/p>\n
The bank collaborated with SCB 10X<\/a>, its innovation and venture arm, as well as Singapore-based fintech company Lightnet<\/a>, for the development of this solution. Additionally, custody technology for the project is being provided by Fireblocks. While inquiries were made regarding the specific public blockchain and stablecoins involved in the project, no details were available at the time of writing.<\/p>\n In traditional cross-border payment systems, banks often need to maintain pre-funded Nostro accounts in the destination country. The introduction of stablecoins may eliminate the need for such accounts. Furthermore, stablecoin transactions offer significant cost advantages, as they tend to be much cheaper and can be processed around the clock.<\/p>\n According to Thanawatn Kittisuwan, First Executive Vice President and Head of Digital Juristic & Payment at SCB:<\/p>\n By leveraging blockchain technology and stablecoins, we are making cross-border remittances more efficient, reliable, and accessible for everyone.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Initially, this stablecoin solution is aimed at consumer transactions. However, SCB plans to extend its services to corporate clients in the near future. Interestingly, the big three Japanese banks are exploring similar cross-border payment solutions, although they tend to obscure the involvement of stablecoins, allowing clients to initiate payments in the usual manner.<\/p>\n In the past, SCB Tech X also took part in a trial involving the use of stablecoins on Hedera Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT). This trial included several other banks, such as Korea’s Shinhan Bank, a bank from Taiwan, and South Africa’s Standard Bank, which participated as an observer.<\/p>\n Stablecoins, particularly those pegged to the U.S. dollar, are gaining popularity in developing nations where local currencies may lose value. By using stablecoins, residents can protect their purchasing power, making them an attractive option for remittances. This trend is especially visible in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, where a substantial portion of crypto transactions involves stablecoins.<\/p>\n A report by Chainalysis highlighted the growing adoption of stablecoins for remittances in countries facing currency devaluation. For instance, in Venezuela, where inflation is rampant, over half of the digital assets sent as remittances are stablecoins. Other Latin American countries like Argentina, Colombia, and Brazil are seeing similar trends, with stablecoins increasingly used for cross-border payments.<\/a><\/p>\n Additionally, a March 2024 report by Mastercard showed that remittances to South America are growing faster than in any other region. This underscores the global shift toward blockchain assets, including stablecoins, which are expected to play a key role in the region’s evolving digital economy.<\/p>\n In summary, SCB’s adoption of stablecoin-based payments is a major development in Thailand’s financial sector. The bank is leveraging blockchain technology and working with fintech partners to create more efficient, affordable cross-border payment options for both individual and corporate clients. This step positions SCB at the forefront of digital asset adoption and financial innovation.<\/a><\/p>\n SIAM COMMERCIAL BANK PIONEERS STABLECOIN-BASED CROSS-BORDER PAYMENTS IN THAILAND<\/p>\n – Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), Thailand’s oldest commercial bank, became the first institution in the country to offer stablecoin-based cross-border payment and remittance services.<\/p>\n – This… https:\/\/t.co\/MuHHtEYll1<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/xk04ujfBJd<\/a><\/p>\n — BSCN (@BSCNews) October 17, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n
Stablecoins as a Store of Value in Developing Economies<\/h2>\n
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