Stablecoin Remittance Fees Hit 9% in Bank of Italy Study

The Bank of Italy recently published a report examining the use of stablecoins for cross border payments. Their research tracked 10 different payment corridors to see how these digital assets compare to traditional banking services. The findings show that using stablecoins does not automatically guarantee low costs for the average user.

The study discovered that fees can climb as high as 9 percent per transaction. The primary reason for these costs is not the blockchain itself but rather the fiat on and off ramps. Converting local currency into stablecoins and back into cash at the destination still requires intermediaries that charge significant service fees.

This research highlights a major friction point for the crypto industry. While blockchain transfers are often fast and efficient, the current structure of global finance still relies on legacy banking connections. Investors and users should watch for future innovations that aim to bridge this gap between digital assets and traditional cash markets.