Moonshot 2026: ‘Stablecoins here to optimise financial system, not replace it’
AI Executive Briefing
Gemini Flash AI~45s readSpeakers at Moonshot 2026 discussed the potential for stablecoins to serve as a core infrastructure for global liquidity and faster cross-border payments. Industry leaders emphasized that while stablecoins offer significant efficiency gains, their success depends on collaborative infrastructure and constructive engagement with regulators.
Context & Background
- ✦The Nigerian financial landscape is seeing a shift in regulatory attitudes, with increased dialogue between fintech stakeholders and regulators like the CBN and NCC.
- ✦Current cross-border payment systems are often hindered by multiple intermediaries and delays, which stablecoins aim to mitigate by operating outside traditional banking time constraints.
Key Figures & Named Entities
Mercy Emmanuel (Flutterwave):Stated that stablecoins collapse the multi-day process of international transfers.Tayo Oviosu (Paga):Emphasized that consumers prioritize cost and speed over the underlying technology and called for industry-wide collaboration.Ife Johnson (JuicyWay):Advocated for moving away from siloed systems toward shared infrastructure and responsible regulatory engagement.
Outlook & Next Steps
Industry players are expected to continue fostering constructive dialogue with regulators to build trust and develop the ecosystem, with a focus on creating shared infrastructure to support wider adoption.
Key Takeaways
AI Summary- Stablecoins are positioned as tools to optimize the existing financial system by reducing transaction delays and improving liquidity, rather than replacing traditional banking.
- Industry leaders emphasize that widespread adoption requires a shift from isolated systems to shared infrastructure and stronger collaboration between fintech companies.
- Regulatory engagement in Nigeria has improved significantly, with stakeholders noting a more constructive dialogue between industry players and government bodies like the CBN and NCC.
Key Facts:2-5 days: Traditional cross-border transfers between cities like Lagos and Nairobi can take two to five days to complete.3-4 years ago: Tayo Oviosu noted that the conversation regarding regulatory support for stablecoins has shifted significantly over the last three to four years.
Editorial Excerpt
Stablecoins could transform cross-border payments by reducing transaction delays, improving liquidity and making money transfers faster and more accessible, speakers at Moonshot 2026 have said.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
What is the primary benefit of stablecoins for cross-border payments?
Stablecoins can simplify international transfers by collapsing the process, removing the need for multiple intermediaries, and enabling near-instantaneous transactions regardless of banking hours.
What does Tayo Oviosu believe is necessary for stablecoins to become mainstream?
He believes mainstream adoption requires collaboration among fintech companies, sufficient liquidity, simpler access for everyday users, and a focus on the user experience of moving from fiat to fiat.
