Interactive Brokers, valued at approximately $110 billion, is considering launching a customer-focused stablecoin to enable 24/7 funding for brokerage accounts, founder Thomas Peterffy revealed in a Reuters interview. While no final decision has been made on structure or rollout, the firm is actively exploring options—either issuing its own token or integrating third-party stablecoins from credible institutions like Paxos.
The brokerage, which manages 3.87 million customer accounts (a 32% YoY increase), is simultaneously developing infrastructure for instant cryptocurrency transfers and round-the-clock stablecoin-based funding. Peterffy expressed personal skepticism about crypto's fundamental value, stating, "It's hard to grasp its fundamental value... I'm still not convinced," but emphasized the company's responsiveness to client demand. Interactive Brokers already offers trading for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash through partnerships with Paxos and Zero Hash.
This move aligns with broader industry trends, following Robinhood's 2024 launch of the USDG stablecoin via its Global Dollar Network consortium. The initiative aims to modernize core brokerage services—including deposits, withdrawals, and collateral management—using stablecoin rails. Interactive Brokers' stock has surged 47% YTD, outpacing sector benchmarks, with analysts at Morningstar highlighting its crypto and prediction market ventures as an "effective hedge" against traditional market disruptions.