StablecoinsIntermediate

Are Stablecoins Draining Bank Deposits?

A data-informed view of deposit mobility: when APY spreads and low-friction rails make movement more likely.

8 min read
TradingPlatforms.com
Deposits

Overview: Why It Matters

Deposit mobility affects bank funding and customer economics. Understanding conditions for movement clarifies real, not hypothetical, impacts and separates data-driven effects from headlines.

Deposit Data: What We See

Movement correlates with rate spreads, UX quality, and ramp availability, not headlines alone.

Rate Differentials and Sensitivity

Spreads of 200–300 bps with transparent reserves increase sensitivity to movement.

Rails Friction: On/Off-Ramps and UX

Fast ramps and clear redemption policies reduce friction; batch processing and fees increase stickiness.

Segments Most Prone to Movement

  • Large idle balances
  • APY-lagging savings accounts
  • Corporate operating cash

Issuer Constraints and Redemption

Short-duration, high-quality reserves, audited disclosures, and robust redemption partners bound movement speed. Duration mismatch and opaque statements increase stress vulnerability.

Scenarios and Stress Tests

Low migration where ramps are limited and spreads are narrow; moderate where rewards and UX advantages scale; high where access, yield, and transparency align with corporate needs.

Key Takeaways

  • APY and UX drive mobility more than hype
  • Policy shaping redesigns rewards, not demand
  • Transparent issuers reduce risk during movement

Conclusion

Stablecoins drain deposits when the economics and rails make sense. The effect is conditional, not universal.

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