#121 Untangling: Stablecoins & CBDCs w/ Keir Finlow-Bates

About this episode

This episode discusses the rise of stablecoins and CBDCs and their impact on modern finance.

In this episode of Untangling Web3, blockchain researcher and educator Keir Finlow-Bates returns to unpack one of the most critical debates in modern finance—the rise of stablecoins and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). As digital assets evolve from niche tools for traders into core infrastructure for global payments, this conversation explores how blockchain-based money systems are reshaping the way value moves, who controls it, and what the next era of programmable finance might look like. Key highlights: Why Stablecoins Have Become the Bridge Between Finance and Blockchain: Stablecoins solve two critical problems—volatility and interoperability. They provide a stable medium of exchange that allows individuals and institutions to engage with blockchain networks without the price risk of native tokens like Bitcoin or Ether. At the same time, they act as a universal liquidity layer connecting decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols, exchanges, and traditional financial systems. Comparing Stablecoins and CBDCs: Architecture and Control : While both stablecoins and CBDCs represent fiat on the blockchain, their architectures differ fundamentally. Stablecoins like USDC or USDT…

People in this episode

Hosts: Jack Davies, Alec Burns

Guest: Keir Finlow-Bates

Topics covered

• stablecoins
• CBDCs
• blockchain technology
• digital assets
• finance
• programmable finance

Keywords

• stablecoins
• CBDCs
• blockchain
• digital currencies
• finance
• DeFi
• volatility
• interoperability

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: USDC, USDT, DeFi, central bank, blockchain, Bitcoin, Ether

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