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Stablecoin Disintermediation

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Abstract

We propose a theory of stablecoin disintermediation, whereby stablecoins not only erode banks’ deposit franchises but also transmit liquidity stress to the banking system. Using transaction-level data linking on-chain transactions to wholesale interbank payments, we document the first evidence of liquidity-driven bank disintermediation. Stablecoins directly transmit liquidity shocks to the banking system: banks with stablecoin deposits experience substantial increases in payment demand and heightened liquidity exposure to daily stablecoin primary market activity. Consistent with theory, banks operate “narrowly” to support liquidity-hungry stablecoin deposits – requiring substantially larger bank reserve balances to mitigate potential shortfalls. Even as beneficiaries of stablecoin growth within the banking system, partner banks’ loan share of assets contracts relative to peers. Our results substantially broaden the scope for stablecoins to disintermediate banks, impact bank lending, and complicate monetary policy implementation.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Junho Lee & Donny Tou, 2026. "Stablecoin Disintermediation," Staff Reports 1185, Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
    • Handle: RePEc:fip:fednsr:102830
    DOI: 10.59576/sr.1185
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • D47 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Market Design
    • E41 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Money and Interest Rates - - - Demand for Money
    • E42 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Money and Interest Rates - - - Monetary Systems; Standards; Regimes; Government and the Monetary System
    • E58 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Central Banks and Their Policies
    • G10 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - General (includes Measurement and Data)
    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages

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