Citigroup Chooses Tokenized Deposits Over Stablecoins For Future Payments

Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser announced during the Q3 earnings call that tokenized deposits will drive future payment infrastructures, surpassing stablecoins in compliance and efficiency across global financial markets.

Tokenized deposits offer compliant, seamless cross-border transactions, shifting institutional focus from stablecoins, with significant regulatory and operational impacts anticipated for financial markets.

Citigroup’s Strategic Pivot to Tokenized Payments

Jane Fraser, CEO of Citigroup, emphasized tokenized deposits over stablecoins during a recent earnings call, citing the demand for low-cost, compliant, and seamless payment flows by institutional clients. The integration of over 250 banks across 40 markets underscores Citigroup’s commitment to this infrastructure.

“What our clients want is interoperable, multi-bank, always-on payment solutions provided in a safe and sound manner. That is best done by tokenized deposits,” said Fraser. Tokenized deposits mitigate compliance burdens associated with stablecoins, aiding in anti-money laundering and tax reporting. Institutions favoring more regulated environments may find significant value in this shift. Citigroup’s dedication to innovation in payment solutions reflects in its extensive market connectivity.

In the financial industry, Fraser’s announcement received significant attention, sparking discussions among institutions committed to advancing digital assets. Although some industry leaders showed caution, the broader sentiment suggests increasing acceptance of tokenized deposits.

Regulation and Innovation: The Future of Finance

Did you know? Tokenized deposits represent an innovative shift for traditional banks, mirroring past technological shifts in banking, as seen in JPMorgan’s pioneering use of the JPM Coin for cross-border settlements.

Ethereum (ETH) holds a market cap of $505.27 billion with a 24-hour trading volume reaching $63.92 billion, reflecting a 4.80% increase. Its price stands at $4,186.17. These statistics, updated on October 15, 2025, from CoinMarketCap, highlight Ethereum’s integral role in tokenized deposit platforms.

The Coincu research team suggests that as regulations advance, tokenized deposits could reshape financial markets, providing new pathways for compliance and innovation. This pivot indicates a marked shift towards blockchain integration within regulated financial systems.