Stablecoins: Transforming Corporate Strategy with Cost Efficiency and Competitive Advantage

Stablecoins Drive Corporate Innovation and Payment Strategy

Major retail giants like Amazon and Walmart are moving into the stablecoin space, signaling a strategic shift aimed at cutting payment network expenses and enhancing overall corporate value. Min-Seung Kim, head of the Korbit Research Center, shared insights into this trend during the “Corporate Utilization of KRW Stablecoins and Forex Policy” seminar at South Korea’s National Assembly on October 30th. Kim cautioned that the growing adoption of stablecoins by global corporations poses a significant challenge for domestic South Korean businesses to keep pace.

This push toward stablecoin issuance reflects much more than just an overhaul of payment systems—it represents a strategic recalibration of corporate valuation models. Kim noted, “The active involvement of global leaders such as JPMorgan, Bank of America, Visa, Mastercard, alongside retail powerhouses like Amazon and Walmart, in stablecoin issuance efforts must be closely observed.”

Stablecoins as Cost-Reduction Tools for Payment Systems

The core appeal of stablecoins lies in their ability to drastically cut transaction fees—a significant financial burden for corporations. Kim explained that Amazon and Walmart collectively generate approximately $650 billion in annual revenue, with industry-standard payment processing fees averaging 2% to 2.5%. These fees amount to nearly half of their combined net profits. By transitioning to stablecoins, both companies could eliminate these fees, boosting their net income by over 40% and substantially enhancing their corporate valuations.

The cost-saving potential of stablecoins similarly resonates in South Korea. Kim highlighted Coupang, the nation’s largest e-commerce platform, as an example. With annual revenue reaching 50 trillion won, Coupang incurs roughly 1 trillion won in payment fees. Given its current net profit margin of approximately 174 billion won, stablecoin adoption could increase its net income by up to 550%, driving corporate value and making it significantly more attractive to investors.

Coupang is already testing the waters by partnering with the Tempo blockchain, a Layer 1 network created by U.S. fintech leaders Stripe and Paradigm. The company is conducting a pilot program to assess the feasibility of stablecoin payments within its ecosystem.

Stablecoins’ Ripple Effect on Businesses and Consumers

Beyond immediate financial savings, stablecoins offer broader implications across corporate and consumer landscapes. Companies leveraging stablecoin technology stand to reduce operational costs, which could translate into lower consumer prices, improving price competitiveness in both domestic and international markets. Moreover, businesses that issue proprietary stablecoins could earn profits from collateralized assets, enabling them to solidify market dominance over time.

Kim underscored the disruptive potential of stablecoins, citing recent market movements. In June, Visa and Mastercard experienced a roughly 10% dip in stock prices following legislative moves by the U.S. Congress to relax cryptocurrency regulations—a clear indicator of stablecoins challenging the fee-driven models of traditional payment systems. Meanwhile, digital asset issuers like Coinbase and Circle saw their shares soar, reflecting rising optimism surrounding stablecoin integration into regulated financial systems. “These contrasting market reactions demonstrate the structural transformation underway in global payment infrastructures,” Kim commented.

Strategic Policy Recommendations and Economic Implications

To remain competitive in the evolving financial landscape, domestic corporations and regulators must act decisively. Kim stressed the importance of proactive measures, warning that global firms are already leveraging stablecoins to redefine payment ecosystems and secure their competitive edge. “Korean businesses and policymakers must synchronize with these rapid global shifts,” he urged.

Andogeul, the South Korean lawmaker who hosted the seminar, reinforced Kim’s call for urgent action. Citing the efficiency of stablecoins in terms of cost savings, transaction speed, and accessibility, Andogeul advocated the adoption of KRW-denominated stablecoins to lower operational expenses and elevate competitiveness across industries. “Stablecoins represent not only an avenue for financial innovation but also a potential driver for economic growth,” he asserted.

Andogeul also emphasized the need to overhaul South Korea’s foreign exchange policies to accommodate stablecoin-driven international payments. He argued, “Stablecoins necessitate reforms to our forex framework. Policymakers must establish a system optimized for the digital economy era that effectively integrates blockchain technology and smart contracts.”

The Pressure to Adapt in a Changing Landscape

As global corporations continue to reshape financial ecosystems via stablecoins, domestic businesses and regulators face mounting pressure to adapt. Stablecoins’ ability to drive cost efficiency, expand market control, and enhance valuation metrics positions them as transformative tools in the digital economy. To remain competitive amid these sweeping changes, South Korea's corporations and policymakers must embrace innovation and stay ahead in the race to redefine economic structures worldwide.