Exploring the Revenue Models of USDT, USDC, USDP and USDe

This article explores how stablecoins like USDT and USDC generate billions of dollars in revenue by investing their reserves in U.S. Treasuries.

Author: @threesigmaxyz

Compiled by: zhouzhou, BlockBeats

Editor's Note: This article examines how major stablecoins like USDT and USDC generate billions of dollars in revenue by investing their reserves, largely in U.S. Treasuries, and how this revenue is closely tied to the Federal Reserve interest rate. If interest rates were to fall to zero, their profitability could plummet.

We also discuss the regulatory challenges faced by fiat-backed stablecoins, as exemplified by USDC during the 2023 Silicon Valley Bank incident, and how algorithmic stablecoins like USDe are less sensitive to interest rate changes due to their reliance on crypto-native yields.

Moreover, we analyze the financial health of these stablecoin issuers. Despite a stellar 2024, Circle (issuer of USDC) faces rapid revenue decline and liquidity issues, rendering it vulnerable in the long term. Conversely, Tether (issuer of USDT) boasts excellent financial strength with $20 billion in equity, ensuring a decades-long runway even in a pessimistic scenario.

The cryptocurrency industry is known for its rapid evolution and constant shifts in trends. In the early days of Bitcoin, the goal was clear: to create a decentralized and limited cryptocurrency that would serve as an alternative to traditional fiat currencies. This vision was driven by ideals of financial inclusion, censorship resistance, and a decentralized system of value transfer.

However, as the industry matured, a new need arose - the need for stability. Bitcoin’s price volatility, while a source of gains for early investors, posed an obstacle to broader adoption, especially for everyday transactions and small businesses seeking seamless integration of cryptocurrencies into their operations. This limitation paved the way for the development of stablecoins.

Stablecoins, as the name suggests, aim to maintain a pegged value, typically to the U.S. dollar. This property is critical for facilitating efficient transactions, hedging against market fluctuations, and serving as a stable store of value in an otherwise volatile asset class.

Hence, the shift from Bitcoin to stablecoins signifies a pragmatic adjustment to the evolving demands of the crypto ecosystem. While Bitcoin laid the foundation for decentralization and limited supply, stablecoins address the pressing need for price stability and efficient integration with existing financial systems. This evolution highlights the industry's responsiveness to user needs and its capability to adapt in pursuit of greater adoption and broader impact.

Among the major types of stablecoins, we have:

1. Fiat-backed stablecoins: These are the most common, backed 1:1 by fiat currency, held in a bank account. Examples include Tether's USDT and Circle's USD Coin (USDC). They are issued by a centralized company and are fully disclosed. They are also fully backed by fiat currency, which is disclosed on a regular basis and can be audited by third parties. These stablecoins are typically used for high-frequency trading, liquidity provision, and cross-exchange arbitrage. They are also increasingly being used by institutions and companies who are looking for a more compliant and transparent way to manage their treasury.

2. Commodity-backed stablecoins: These stablecoins are backed by commodities, such as gold, silver, oil, or real estate. Examples include Paxos's Pax Gold (PAXG) and Tether's Gold (XAUT). They are issued by a centralized company and are fully disclosed. They are also fully backed by the commodity, which is held in a segregated account and can be audited by third parties. These stablecoins are typically used by investors who are looking for exposure to commodities in a digital format. They are also useful for investors in countries with currency instability, as they provide a hedge against inflation and devaluation.

3. Crypto-asset-backed stablecoins: These stablecoins are backed by other cryptocurrencies. An example is DAI, which is issued by MakerDAO and backed by ETH or other cryptocurrencies. They are issued by a decentralized protocol and are governed by the protocol's token holders. These stablecoins are typically used in decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols for borrowing, lending, and other financial applications. They are also used by investors who are looking for yield on their crypto assets.

These different types of stablecoins cater to various needs within the crypto ecosystem. From fiat-backed options like USDT and USDC, preferred for liquidity and diverse use cases, to commodity-backed choices like PAXG and XAUT, offering direct exposure to physical assets, the industry is presenting a diverse range of options. Finally, crypto-asset-backed stablecoins like DAI and its derivatives are at the forefront of DeFi innovation, facilitating new financial paradigms.

With the rapid rise of the digital asset class, several key players have emerged, engaging in a competitive yet collaborative landscape to advance the future of finance.

Among the prominent names in the stablecoin sphere are USDT, USDC, USDS/DAI (from SKY), and USDe. Each of these stablecoins is unique in its