[Stablecoin](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-stablecoin) signifies a form of [digital](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-digital) [money](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-money) which is meant at delivering the [investors](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-investor) [price stability](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-price-stability) via [security](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-security) to [underlying assets](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-underlying-asset) or using of [supply and demand](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-supply-and-demand) to maintain its amount. To date, the first stable [coin](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-coins) was created in 2014; yet, their popularity has grown due to the fact that they offer the speed and security of a [blockchain](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/blockchain) while decreasing the [volatility](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-volatility) that normally comes with most [cryptocurrency](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/cryptocurrency) tokens.

![](https://images.ecency.com/DQmbjfQWvRxXePcUevN39frWfgVN49hNf25cHagfvcbTXKu/img_2724.jpg) [Image Source](https://www.cryptonewsz.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Understanding-Stablecoins.jpg)

[Stablecoins](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-stablecoin) generally permitted users to [exchange](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-exchange) [cryptocurrencies](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/cryptocurrency) when there was no [market](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-market) pair between them and fiat currency. Fiat money are a form of [currency](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-currency) issued by governments, but whose value is not supported by physical [assets](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-asset) such as [precious metals](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-precious-metals) and commodities. Nowadays, stablecoins are used across several different blockchain based [financial institutions](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-financial-institution) like lending platforms or they can be paid for [goods](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-goods-economic) and service.

Stablecoins are electronic manifestations of conventional currencies, which are compatible with blockchain [software](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-software) programs or [applications](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-application) as well as smart contracts; these are predetermined rules that run automatically when specified criteria are achieved.

#### Understanding Stablecoins

Well-known alternatives like [BTC](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-btc) and [ETH](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-eth) are frequently rather unpredictable in their cost. Volatility involves tracking swings in the value of assets. Volatility is significant when an [asset](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-asset) [price](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-price) moves dramatically up and down over time. On the other hand, a smaller figure reflects stability in proportion to the asset’s price.

The volatility associated with daily returns of an asset may thus be quantified in percentage change in points. In actuality, the value of several prominent cryptocurrencies sometimes goes up or down more than 10% while they are being traded. Therefore, even in cases when it comes to the most difficult moments, they cannot be utilized as money because of this. An asset exploited as a method of exchange stimulates trade.

For someone to utilize an [item](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-items) as a currency, this has to be a mean for price determination, [store of value](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-store-of-value) and measure of worth. The most visible benefit related to stablecoin [technology](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-technology) is its utility as a means of [commerce](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-commerce) in bridging the gap between [cash](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-cash) and cryptocurrencies. As opposed to conventional cryptocurrencies, stablecoins are designed to restrict price fluctuation in order to reach a fundamentally different aim.

Furthermore, stablecoins should be a good store of values and for that reason can be used in daily [economic](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-economic) activities. Moreover, stablecoins encourage smooth movement of cryptocurrencies within the ecosystem. Holders of stablecoins and [fiat currencies](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-fiat-currency) are aware that they cannot adjust the worth of their [assets](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-asset) within a limited period and thus use them for [purchase](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/purchase) of goods and services. As noted before, stablecoins have particular qualities that distinguish them from other coins.

In most circumstances of stablecoins, it is the dollar that backs their stability levels. Pegging refers to having one stablecoin that tracks the [U.S. Dollar](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-u-s-dollar) being valued at exactly $1.

This style of fastener is held in place by different mechanisms. The most popular method when it comes to stablecoin is having asset backing. The amount of asset backing describes the amount of [coins](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-coins) (tokens) in circulation divided by the total value of [underlying](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-underlying) assets. A stablecoin is 1:1 supported that for every stablecoin in circulation there should be [collateral](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-collateral) for the identical amount.

Aside from that, stablecoins collateralized with U.S. dollars will preserve their value at a rate of one US dollar per unit if they can be converted into the same amount of U.S. dollars. However, [traders](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-trader) who attempt to exploit such price difference will lessen the [differential](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-differentials) when the price of the [underlying asset](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-underlying-asset) moves up or down sufficiently in either direction.

#### Understanding What Stablecoins Are Used For

![](https://images.ecency.com/DQmUqMtr7hBDJHYgE7aqneXf1mfzUbv7vDjwbte4NBigC4v/img_2725.jpg) [Image Source](https://newsroom.altervista.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Stablecoins-6-768x512.jpg)

With a stablecoin, those who possess it may get multiple benefits because blockchain is unchangeable and hence trustworthy. Stablecoins, the first being introduced in 2014 as an alternative to fiat [currencies](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-currency) on exchanges, providing investors the assurance they required during the tumultuous time of other digital assets.

Today, [borrowers](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-borrower) may use the same for [loans](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-loans) at [Greater](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-greater-2016-film) [interest rates](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-interest-rate) than that of ordinary saving money. However, one must [bear](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-bear) in mind that stablecoin offers do not have government-based depositor protection [policy](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-policy-insurance) unlike traditional monetary market where they secure better [yields](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-yield) than stablecoins.

Stablecoins have been created by a variety of [blockchains](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/blockchain) supporting [smart contract](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-smart-contract) programs and are increasingly utilized in DeFI and in exchange platforms. Applications including [decentralized exchanges](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-decentralized-exchange-dex) (DEXs) that build on [TOP](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-top-currency) of Blockchain [networks](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-network) that allow [smart contracts](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-smart-contract) can be developed. These are online marketplaces where [businesses](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-business) [trade](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-trade) directly with each other without an intermediary.

Due to lower [transactions](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-transaction) costs, stablecoins are perfect for salary [payments](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-payment) and cheaper international money transfers. Just a little [cost](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-cost) for interbank transfer on blockchain. Secondly, cross border transactions are facilitated within a period of few minutes to an hour depending on several circumstances among other considerations on the blockchain. It entails determining whether to go for a public or private network, the [risk](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-risk) of [network](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-network) congestion, the amount of cost that is charged, and the quantity of difficulty involved in the transaction. International transactions on the other hand can take days in the normal financial system.

The low volatility of stablecoins made it possible for investors to [hold](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-hold) [funds](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-fund) on the blockchain but with minimal risk unlike regular cryptocurrencies which have fluctuating [prices](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-price) that vary dramatically.

#### How Stablecoins Remain Stable

The stability of government-issued fiat currencies is ensured by the controlling authorities like [central banks](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-central-bank) that aim to maintain relative stability in the pricing of its currencies. The stablecoins might be backed by [real assets](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-real-assets) like gold, [algorithms](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-algorithm) or [government](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-government) issued fiat currency. The premise of stablecoin has reservoirs founded on the stability offered by the Central banking institution as well as the government in a government-backed [fiat currency](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-fiat-currency) such as the United States dollar. Part of the cash backing up stablecoins is allocated towards [fixed income instruments](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-fixed-income-instruments) like short-term corporate [debt](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-debt) or debt obligations guaranteed by the state that makes them liquid and well-collateralised. To maintain stability of stablecoins, numerous essential principles, like fiat backing, crypto backing, precious metal-based backing, are applied.

#### Fiat-backed stablecoins

The [reserves](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-reserves) of stablecoins that are based on fiats are denominated in the US dollar. These stablecoins are often supported by one dollar’s worth of cash or a [cash equivalent](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-cash-equivalent) for every [token](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-token) in circulation. Central bodies, regularly [audit](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-audit) their funds and work closely with [regulators](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-regulator) make sure that entities holding the reserve are still in compliance. This means that for users to [buy](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-buy) stablecoins directly from the issuers is just similar as they have to undergo the KYC and [AML](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-anti-money-laundering-aml) procedures like [exchanges](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-exchange) require. These processes include receiving a copy of the user’s government issued identification documents, among many others.

#### Cryptocurrency-backed stablecoins

![](https://images.ecency.com/DQmYTaFoeDXPcuRPLm8K2WBYN96yn8JxLUVJgL8RKNXNccc/img_2727.png) [Image Source](https://www.thecoinrepublic.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Stablecoin-2.png)

These are stablecoins backed by foreign cryptocurrencies. Aspects such as the stablecoin may be backed by either a cryptocurrency or fiat currency, tracked towards the price of any of these currencies. A person can then develop an asset which he can deploy in other blockchains utilizing a crypto-backed stablecoin. A few exemplifications of stablecoins are the [WBTC](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-wbtc) currency which was developed on the ETH platform and collateralized with bitcoin.

In addition, such balanced mechanism through balancing mechanisms on the blockchain using the stablecoins backing allows to retain [balance](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-balance) and price stability in case of fluctuation of the value of fiat money. These sort of stablecoins in most instances, are over-collateralized to secure its stability and avoid collapse when there is a large market disturbance. Overcollateralization shows the stablecoin’s assets are worth more than the existing stablecoins. Price stability of the stablecoins is realized by means of frequent [audits](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-audit) and monitoring systems. As compared with fiat-backed stablecoins, however, cryptography-enabled stablecoins present a more decentralized option, being formed utilizing algorithmic smart contacts that do not require a central authority.

#### Commodity-backed stablecoins

They are essentially blockchained [commodity](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-commodity) backed stores with reserve central backing. The stablecoins underlying them in this scenario allude to physical assets like as precious metals, [energy](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-energy-industry) and real state products. Gold, which is also one of the oldest [commodities](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-commodity) is the most common form of collateral used. On the other hand, it needs to be realized that the values of [ALL](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-all-currency) these [items](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-items) can, and do fluctuate, and this means that they might depreciate at some point.

Stablecoins backed by genuine commodities allow individuals to invest in distant assets which are unavailable at regional marketplaces. For instance, in many [regions](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-region) [gold](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-gold) bars are costly and it may be difficult to buy one as well as find a safe place of keeping. However, it is not always possible to purchase physical goods like gold and silver. On the other hand, there are several forms of stablecoins which can be utilized by users who want to exchange [tokens](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-token) against currency or possess genuine tokenized assets.

#### In Conclusion
Stablecoins able to stabilize a price using multiple techniques like as collateral, algorithms, and decentralized governments. Thus they may be utilized in day-to-day payments, [remittances](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-remittance) and a location to keep assets. Despite this, there still needs to be care done and necessary study undertaken in order for a user to join with any stablecoin. Although these stability measures are not infallible, they do have certain [risks](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-risk) attached with them, and can be affected by general market conditions.