Overview
- At Consensus 2026 in Miami, leaders from Bridge and Deus X Capital said large companies are moving stablecoins into cross-border payments and treasury tasks.
- They highlighted AI “agent” payments and small internet transactions as the next demand drivers because stablecoin networks cut fees that once made micropayments impractical.
- Einhaus said purpose-built payment chains like Tempo now offer features traditional teams expect, including refunds, chargebacks, and private transfers.
- Grant said fragmented wallets and blockchains plus unsettled rules for autonomous finance will slow rollout, even as more institutions ask for stablecoin options.
- Coinbax won the $20,000 PitchFest prize for a smart-contract escrow that releases funds only after identity, sanctions, and risk checks, and the startup says it is live on Base with bank and custody pilots.