
Cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile assets, which is why they are primarily of interest to potential investors as exchange instruments for trading. However, it is legally challenging for exchanges to launch cryptocurrency trading pairs with fiat currencies because it requires obtaining an extended broker license in most countries. This is why there was a need to create cryptocurrencies whose value would be tied to the price of a specific asset. Thus, stablecoins emerged. Their main task is to simplify exchange trading.
Are stablecoins cryptocurrencies?
Technically, stablecoins are cryptocurrency tokens with a blockchain and a decentralized network. However, their value is pegged to a real asset, which can be:
specific currencies (dollar, euro);
securities (stocks of various companies);
non-financial assets (oil, gold, silver).It is important to understand that stablecoins are issued by a specific company. Its task is to conduct emission and ensure that the exchange rate of their token closely matches the value of the asset to which they are pegged. Dollar is often used for this purpose, thus simplifying exchange calculations. Launching stablecoins allows cryptocurrency exchanges to completely abandon the use of fiat currency pairs.
So, the fundamental differences are as follows:
for cryptocurrencies, the price is not tied to assets, it depends only on demand, supply, and total emission;
for stablecoins, the price is tied to a specific asset, and emission is possible only through its exchange by the issuer (the company that issues the coin).