Potential corporate stablecoins could bypass credit card networks and banking intermediaries, reducing transaction fees for merchants and consumers. By settling payments on private blockchains, retailers might achieve near-instant settlement while maintaining control over customer financial data.
The loyalty program integration could create closed-loop ecosystems where rewards automatically apply discounts or unlock premium services. This challenges traditional point systems by enabling programmable money features through smart contracts.
However, antitrust concerns may arise if large retailers use stablecoins to create walled-garden payment systems that disadvantage competitors. Successful implementation would likely accelerate central bank digital currency development as governments seek to maintain monetary policy control.
