Is it safe to use stablecoins?
They may not be risk-free, but they can be stable in price compared to crypto.
Centralized fiat-backed: It all depends on the quality of the reserves, the concentration ofcustody, and the issuer's transparency.
Crypto-backed: Rely on the safety of smart contracts and oracles and the volatility of collateral.
Synthetic/derivative-hedged: Depend on the integrity of the derivatives venue and the dynamicsof the base. They have also faced regulatory proceedings (see USDe/BaFin in 2025).
Policies are getting stricter all throughout the world. The GENIUS Act (2025) in the U.S. imposed1:1 high-quality reserve levels and other regulated issuer rules. If you require payments orsettlements, begin with well-regulated, fully reserved options and carefully review thedisclosures.
Simple guide on when to utilize which
Trading & exchange liquidity: USDT for ubiquity; USDC when transparency and fiat ramps arekey.
DeFi and on-chain automation: DAI and other on-chain collateralized solutions, as long as youknow about liquidation/oracle risk.
Yield and advanced strategies: USDe is made for a market-neutral strategy, which is morecomplicated and sensitive to regulations.
Asia/EM venues: FDUSD is adding more integrations; check the issuer's most recent reservereports and company structure.
Politically exposed projects: USD1 wants more care taken with governance, reserves, andconflicts. (Wikipedia)
Questions and Answers
What is the "best" stablecoin?
There is no one best option; choose based on how easily you can get it, how open it is, andwhat you need it for (payments, DeFi, or treasury). For most people, a fully reserved coin that islisted on many exchanges and has regular updates is the best option.
What causes a stablecoin to lose its peg?
Redemption waves, unclear reserves, unsuccessful hedges, or venue failures (for derivative-backed designs) can all cause stress. Mechanisms are important: cash or T-bill reserves actdifferently than on-chain collateral or synthetic hedges. (McKinsey & Company)
Is the yield on stablecoins safe?
Any yield shows risk, whether it's from the platform, the market, or the other party. Manyauthorities limit the return that issuers can pay. Lending and liquidity markets provide DeFiyields, which can be volatile during times of crisis. Before you sign up, be sure you know whereit came from.
Before you do anything, double-check the caps. They change with issuance and redemptions.In short, use stablecoins to move value, not volatility. Begin with fully reserved alternatives forpayments and settlements. Only move on to on-chain or synthetic designs when you know howthey work and what the risks are.