Coindesk Logo

Stablecoins 'Flip' Ethereum's Native Currency in Transfer Value

Stablecoins 'Flip' Ethereum's Native Currency in Transfer Value

Stablecoins 'Flip' Ethereum's Native Currency in Transfer Value

A greater share of value is being transferred via stablecoins over the ethereum network than its own native cryptocurrency.

A greater share of value is being transferred via stablecoins over the ethereum network than its own native cryptocurrency.

A greater share of value is being transferred via stablecoins over the ethereum network than its own native cryptocurrency.

AccessTimeIconJan 30, 2020, 4:21 AM
Updated Aug 19, 2021, 12:31 AM

Presented By Icon

Election 2024 coverage presented by

Stand with crypto

A greater share of value is being transferred via stablecoins over the ethereum network than its own native cryptocurrency ether (ETH), according to research conducted by crypto data aggregate Messari.

In a recent tweet, Ryan Watkins, research analyst at Messari, said stablecoin transfer value had “flipped” ethereum’s native currency, ETH.

“This is largely the story of tether (USDT) transitioning to ethereum. On a weekly basis, the flip occurred mid-2019. Since then the change is striking,” Watkins said.

The outstripping of ETH by stablecoins on its own network signifies a major step towards trust in cryptocurrencies whose values are pegged 1-to-1 to a major currency like the U.S. dollar.

The ethereum network allows for numerous tokens to operate within its ecosystem amid the backdrop of interoperability, enabling seamless transactions between multiple parties.

ERC-20 stablecoins, however, are by far the most sought-after token on the ethereum network in part largely due to the rise of the U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin USDT, as Watkins notes.

ETH + ERC20 Stablecoin Weekly Adjusted

USDT flipped ETH sometime during the months of April and May 2019, with the transfer value outstripping ethereum’s native token and USDT maintaining its dominance ever since.

The company behind the stablecoin, Tether Ltd,  began migrating tokens to ethereum in April 2019.

A few months later, the amount of USDT on bitcoin’s Omni layer started rapidly declining. Tether has since started issuing new tokens on the Tron and Liquid blockchains, with an influx of USDT in November 2019 far outstripping ETH.

Disclosure

Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information have been updated.

CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. CoinDesk has adopted a set of principles aimed at ensuring the integrity, editorial independence and freedom from bias of its publications. CoinDesk is part of the Bullish group, which owns and invests in digital asset businesses and digital assets. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive Bullish group equity-based compensation. Bullish was incubated by technology investor Block.one.


Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.