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Stablecoins for remittances? A solution in search of a problem

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Stablecoins for remittances? A solution in search of a problem

Opinion on the future of cryptocurrency remains divided and dogmatic. The protagonists see it transforming the global payments system. The sceptics see it as a solution in search of a problem.

Let’s leave Bitcoin as a payments vehicle to one side. It has clearly found a substantial niche in catering for the payments requirements of drug gangs, smugglers, scammers, kidnappers, evaders of tax and capital controls, and money launderers – in short, it is the payments system of choice for the very substantial global illegal economy, replacing the cumbersome inefficiency of suitcases of banknotes. But for everyday transactions and transfers, Bitcoin doesn’t provide a useful payments function, either domestically or internationally.

The existing range of stablecoins doesn’t seem up to the task.

It has been suggested, including on The Interpreter, that stablecoins might provide the crypto-based payments solution. Stablecoins are digital currency with a fixed value against a conventional currency (usually the US dollar), in theory backed by conventional assets such as government securities.

The existing range of stablecoins doesn’t seem up to the task. Their value, in theory stable, is not assured. Terra and Luna lost most of their value, and even the largest stablecoin – Tether – has been fined for false statements about its backing. For those who are squeamish about their associations, stablecoins have the same potential for nefarious use as Bitcoin. Tether was the vehicle for a huge UK money-laundering scheme and its proponents laud its privacy and ability to avoid regulation.

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As stablecoins currently bypass the requirements of know-your-customer and anti-money-laundering, the authorities will either have to give up on these requirements (which is unlikely) or enforce them on cyber-currencies, which would remove their main attraction of anonymity.

For everyday transactions and transfers, Bitcoin doesn’t provide a useful payments function, either domestically or internationally (Jievani Weerasinghe/Unsplash)

President Trump’s Genius Act may possibly address these issues, with regulations for combating money-laundering and other illicit activity. Stablecoins may be issued by institutions with unquestionable integrity: for example, JP Morgan plans to issue one.

If these issues are resolved, stablecoins might seem to have some advantages over the bank-based international payments system. The bank system is, indeed, very complicated. It involves multiple links: SWIFT intermediates a secure transfer message (it is not, itself, a payments system); the sending bank must have a trusted correspondent bank in the foreign country; then there is an exchange rate transaction, which will in turn require a two-way transaction via the US dollar to make the conversion using the deep US foreign-exchange markets and the Fedwire/CHIPS payments systems; and then the usual domestic payments infrastructure completes the transaction by shifting the money from the correspondent bank to the recipient’s bank. All this complexity has a cost. As the banks were, until recent years, the only way of making these transfers securely, there was a heavy monopoly levy as well. Big customers got better rates, but small transfers – workers’ remittances – paid exorbitantly.

Stablecoins could bypass some of this complexity. If the recipient had a wallet for the same stablecoin as the sender, stablecoins could be purchased and the transfer would be simple and secure. The hitch is that the recipient would still have to convert the stablecoin into local currency before they could make a purchase. Who will exchange a JP Morgan stablecoin for local currency (and what commission will they charge)?

Where crypto could potentially find a useful payments role is in the form of a central bank digital currency.

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While the crypto promoters are trying to find an answer for this exchange problem, the bank-based system has taken note of the emerging alternatives. What do monopolists do when they are confronted by competition? They learn to compete. In recent years, commercial banks and other traditional payments systems have given far better exchange rates than formerly. For example, Wise will make a remittance transaction swiftly and with a favourable exchange rate, without going through any stablecoin links.

In short, stablecoins may have other uses (perhaps as a programable currency to facilitate commercial transactions), but are uncompetitive for international transfers.

Where crypto could potentially find a useful payments role is in the form of a central bank digital currency (CBDC). Central banks’ digital currency is already the key element in the domestic payments system. A CBDC could be used in international transactions to bypass both SWIFT and the need for a foreign correspondent bank. Some central banks are already experimenting with CBDCs to make international transfers to foreign central banks, but no central bank would allow its CBDCs to be held by the general public, as this would present a major threat to the stability of the conventional banking system.

America is, unsurprisingly, not rushing to support an innovation that might undermine the dollar’s global role. The Genius Act specifically prohibits the US Federal Reserve from developing a CBDC. Without a US CBDC, it is hard to see how a CBDC-based global payments system could rival the existing arrangements.

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Crypto ATM Count Falls to 38,928 as 597 Machines Exit the Market in Q1 2026

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Crypto ATM Count Falls to 38,928 as 597 Machines Exit the Market in Q1 2026

Crypto ATM Data 2026: 597 Net Removals

Recent figures show the global count of crypto ATMs edged close to the 40,000 mark this month, yet data recorded on March 29, 2026, reveals a net reduction of 769 machines. The year opened with a drop of 139 crypto ATMs, followed by the addition of 231 new installations in February.

An additional 80 units were installed at the beginning of March, according to Coin ATM Radar’s net growth logs, though the removal of 769 machines ultimately pushed the year’s total to a net loss of 597. As of this weekend, the global tally of crypto ATMs sits at 38,928 machines. Geographic data from Coin ATM Radar shows the U.S. holds 30,247 of those units, representing 77.7% of the total.

Image source: coinatmradar.com

Canada follows with 3,839 crypto ATMs, accounting for 9.9% of the worldwide figure. Europe maintains 1,727 machines, or roughly 4.4% of the overall count of 38,928. Taken together, the U.S., Europe, and Canada host 35,813 machines, comprising 92% of the global share. The remaining 8% is distributed across Asia, Oceania, and other regions.

The crypto ATM tracking site further indicates that the top ten global operators collectively oversee 30,450 machines, representing 78.2% of the total. The industry’s leading provider is Bitcoin Depot, which runs a commanding 9,246 machines (23.8% market share). It is followed by Coinflip with 5,493 machines (14.1%) and Athena Bitcoin with 4,045 machines (10.4%).

Rockitcoin holds a solid footprint with 2,757 machines (7.1%), while Bitstop and Margo operate 2,372 (6.1%) and 2,138 (5.5%) machines, respectively. Stats further show that bitcoin ( BTC) remains the most widely supported asset, available across nearly all machines tracked worldwide by Coin ATM Radar.

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Following bitcoin, altcoins as a collective category are supported by 38,910 machines, suggesting that nearly every ATM offering bitcoin also includes at least one alternative asset. Among individual altcoins, ethereum ( ETH) leads with support at 22,200 locations, closely followed by litecoin ( LTC) at 21,292 and tether ( USDT) at 19,894.

Roughly 91.6% of crypto ATMs are configured to facilitate cryptocurrency purchases, while the remaining machines support both buying and selling of digital assets. Logs from Coin ATM Radar offer a revealing snapshot of recent crypto ATM reductions in 2026, showing that the 40,000 threshold remains just out of reach for the industry at present.

Whether the crypto ATM count clears 40,000 this year depends largely on whether operators expand or continue pulling machines. The numbers show a market sorting itself out; large providers like Bitcoin Depot, Coinflip, and Athena hold the majority of installations, while smaller operators account for the gap. With North America controlling over three-quarters of the global count, the industry’s direction remains tied closely to conditions in a single market.

FAQ 🔎

  • How many crypto ATMs are there in the world in 2026? As of March 29, 2026, Coin ATM Radar tracks 38,928 active crypto ATMs globally.
  • Which country has the most Bitcoin ATMs? The United States leads with 30,247 machines, representing 77.7% of the worldwide total.
  • Who is the largest crypto ATM operator in 2026? Bitcoin Depot operates 9,246 machines, giving it a 23.8% share of the global market.
  • What cryptocurrencies do crypto ATMs support? Bitcoin is available at nearly all machines, with ethereum supported at 22,200 locations and litecoin at 21,292.
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Is Crypto Legal in Norway? EY Explains the Regulations

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Global Legal Insight publishes a yearly print-and-digital series that investigates urgent themes in business and law with contributions from legal experts worldwide. In the 2025 volume on Blockchain and Cryptocurrency, Ernst & Young Tax and Law Norway wrote the country chapter, which addresses whether cryptocurrency is lawful in Norway and surveys how cryptoassets are positioned domestically under Norwegian regulation.

Norway generally permits cryptoasset ownership and trading, while placing the strongest compliance expectations on intermediaries that exchange, safeguard, or facilitate transfers for others.

Cryptocurrency Regulation in Norway: Institutions and Policy Signals

The chapter presents perspectives from the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway, the Ministry of Finance, and the Norwegian Central Bank on current market conditions and responsible approaches to a fast‑moving sector. It also distills the operative legal framework and key tax rules for digital assets. In practice, the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway is the primary supervisory body for many compliance questions that arise when a business provides crypto-related services (for example, exchange services or custody-like safeguarding for clients), while tax reporting and assessment are handled by the Norwegian Tax Administration.

For crypto businesses, the most relevant requirements typically relate to anti-money laundering compliance, including customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, and internal controls. Businesses that provide exchange services between cryptoassets and fiat currency, or that provide services for holding or administering cryptoassets on behalf of others, may need to register with the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway before offering services, and should be prepared to document ownership and management, governance arrangements, risk assessments, routines for customer checks, and recordkeeping. If you are looking for a “crypto license” in Norway, the practical path is usually a registration-based process tied to anti-money laundering obligations rather than a single, universal license for all crypto activity.

Legal Status and Compliance Overview

This piece is a practical reference for readers seeking clarity on how Norway governs crypto asset activity. It delivers a concise, trustworthy roundup of regulation in Norway, touching on consumer protection and practical themes for participants in digital finance. For individuals, that often means understanding which activities are permitted, how to document transactions, and which authorities oversee intermediaries versus taxation.

From a consumer-use perspective, self-custody wallets such as Trust Wallet are generally available in Norway through standard app distribution channels, and individuals commonly use them as they do in other markets. Using a self-custody wallet does not typically require registration by the individual, but it does not remove tax obligations or documentation expectations; users should keep clear records of purchases, transfers, swaps, and disposals so gains, losses, and income can be reported correctly. Some banks and payment providers may apply their own risk controls around transfers to and from crypto platforms, so users may encounter practical friction even when the underlying activity is lawful.

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PayPal availability for purchasing Bitcoin in Norway depends on the specific service route. Some crypto platforms may support PayPal-funded purchases or deposits in certain cases, but many do not due to chargeback and fraud-risk controls, and availability can vary by provider and user verification status. Where PayPal is supported, users should expect identity checks, potentially higher fees, and limits that depend on the platform’s compliance and risk settings.

To buy Tether in Norway, individuals typically use a crypto exchange or broker that lists the stablecoin and supports onboarding for Norwegian residents. The usual flow is to complete identity verification on the platform, fund the account using the supported payment method (commonly bank transfer or card, depending on the provider), and then place an order for the stablecoin. Practical banking considerations can matter, including a bank’s willingness to process payments to particular platforms and the platform’s own requirements for source-of-funds information.

Bitcoin mining is generally lawful in Norway, but it can trigger ordinary business, tax, and local compliance considerations depending on scale (for example, zoning, noise, and commercial electricity arrangements). Norway’s electricity pricing is market-based and can be attractive in some regions, but miners should not assume dedicated government subsidies specific to crypto mining; any favorable power costs typically come from standard industrial contracts, local grid conditions, or general schemes that are not exclusive to mining and may change based on policy and eligibility criteria.

On taxation, cryptoassets are generally treated as taxable assets in Norway, and taxpayers are expected to report disposals and income tied to crypto activity. As a rule of thumb, gains and losses on sales, exchanges between cryptoassets, and spending crypto can be taxable events, while income-like receipts (such as rewards that function like compensation or yield) may be taxed when received, with later disposal potentially creating an additional gain or loss based on value changes. The applicable tax rate will typically follow the ordinary income tax rate for individuals, and accurate recordkeeping is essential for cost basis, acquisition dates, fees, and fair value at the time of each taxable event.

Legal ways to reduce crypto-related taxes in Norway tend to be documentation- and planning-driven rather than loophole-driven. Common approaches include ensuring all allowable losses are captured and reported, deducting eligible transaction costs where permitted, maintaining consistent cost-basis tracking so gains are not overstated, and planning disposals with an eye to offsetting gains with realized losses when that matches the taxpayer’s broader financial situation. For higher-activity traders or mining operations, it can also be important to assess whether the activity resembles a business in substance, since that can affect how income, expenses, and reporting are treated under Norwegian rules.

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Bitcoin ETFs Cap Week With $225 Million Outflow as Ether Hits 8-Day Slide

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Bitcoin ETFs Cap Week With 5 Million Outflow as Ether Hits 8-Day Slide

Bitcoin, Ether ETFs Deepen Losses as Weekly Selling Peaks

The week did not end quietly. Instead, it closed with conviction, and not the kind bulls would have hoped for.

Bitcoin ETFs recorded a steep $225.48 million in net outflows, marking one of the largest single-day withdrawals of the week. The selling was concentrated, but decisive. Blackrock’s IBIT accounted for the overwhelming majority, shedding $201.53 million alone. Bitwise’s BITB followed with $18.60 million in outflows, while Ark & 21Shares’ ARKB posted a smaller $5.35 million exit.

There were no inflows to soften the blow. Trading activity remained robust at $3.39 billion, yet net assets fell sharply to $84.77 billion, underscoring the weight of sustained redemptions.

Ether ETFs extended their losing streak to eight consecutive days, with total outflows reaching $48.54 million. Once again, Blackrock’s ETHA led the decline, posting a $70.80 million withdrawal. Fidelity’s FETH followed with $8.92 million in outflows, while Grayscale’s Ether Mini Trust lost $8.68 million.

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Still, one fund continued to defy the trend. Blackrock’s ETHB attracted $39.86 million in inflows, reinforcing its growing appeal among investors. Its staking component appears to be drawing attention, even as broader sentiment around ether remains weak. Trading volume stood at $1.16 billion, with net assets closing at $11.52 billion.

Elsewhere, the picture was quieter but no less telling. XRP ETFs saw no trading activity, with net assets slipping to $933.33 million. Solana ETFs faced heavier pressure, recording a $7.84 million outflow entirely from Bitwise’s BSOL. Trading volume reached $45.21 million, while net assets declined to $809.62 million.

The pattern is hard to ignore. Capital is leaving the space at a steady pace, particularly from flagship bitcoin and ether products. Even isolated inflows are no longer enough to change the broader direction.

In summary, Friday capped a difficult stretch for crypto ETFs. Bitcoin led with a sharp outflow, ether extended its losing streak despite selective interest, solana weakened further, and XRP remained sidelined. The market closes the week on uncertain footing, with sentiment clearly under strain.

FAQ 📊

  • Why did Bitcoin ETFs see such a large outflow on Friday?
    The sharp outflow was largely driven by a significant withdrawal from Blackrock’s IBIT, reflecting continued institutional selling pressure.
  • What is causing Ether ETFs’ extended outflow streak?
    Ether ETFs are experiencing persistent redemptions, mainly from Blackrock’s ETHA, indicating weaker investor confidence than bitcoin’s.
  • Why is Blackrock’s ETHB still attracting inflows?
    ETHB’s staking feature is likely appealing to investors seeking yield, making it stand out even during broader market outflows.
  • What does continued inactivity in XRP ETFs suggest?
    It indicates limited investor engagement and a wait-and-see approach, with capital focusing elsewhere in the crypto ETF market.
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