Stablecoin systemic risk: Former PBoC governor Zhou Xiaochuan warned that stablecoins can drive excessive asset speculation and accumulate systemic risks, urging regulators to monitor misuse and fraud risks while balancing innovation and financial stability in China and globally.
Zhou warns stablecoins can fuel asset speculation and system risks.
China’s regulatory stance remains cautious, with no immediate liberalization announced.
USDT and USDC exceed 99% of stablecoin market share, underscoring concentration risks.
stablecoin systemic risk — Zhou Xiaochuan warns stablecoins can increase speculation and system risk; read expert analysis and next steps for policymakers. Learn more.
What did Zhou Xiaochuan warn about stablecoins?
Stablecoin systemic risk was the core of Zhou Xiaochuan’s July 2025 message: he warned stablecoins could be excessively used for asset speculation and potentially trigger fraud and instability. He emphasized careful monitoring and a measured regulatory response to avoid systemic accumulation of risk.
How could stablecoins fuel asset speculation?
Zhou noted that rapid adoption and hype can be leveraged by some market participants to inflate valuations. Historical on-chain trends and market concentration — where USDT and USDC represent over 99% of stablecoin volume — increase contagion risk across crypto and traditional markets.
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China’s past approach to cryptocurrencies prioritized financial stability and capital controls. Zhou’s remarks at the China Finance 40 Forum in July 2025 reflect ongoing skepticism and a preference for gradual, risk-managed innovation rather than rapid liberalization.
Market leaders USDT and USDC continue to dominate stablecoin liquidity. This concentration increases systemic exposure in cross-border settlements and crypto markets. Short-term implications include slower onshore stablecoin development and heightened compliance focus.
Not immediately. Zhou’s warning signals caution but did not announce regulatory changes. Policymakers are likely to continue monitoring risk indicators and on-chain data before implementing new rules.
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Source: https://en.coinotag.com/zhou-xiaochuan-warns-stablecoins-could-heighten-speculation-and-systemic-risk-in-china-potentially-affecting-usdt/