Interactive Brokers has expanded its digital asset capabilities by allowing clients to fund brokerage accounts using stablecoins that are automatically converted into U.S. dollars. The move introduces round the clock account funding and removes many of the delays associated with traditional bank wires. The brokerage said the service is live with USDC and enables deposits at any time without banking hour restrictions. Once stablecoins are received, balances are credited directly in dollars, allowing clients to begin trading almost immediately. The initiative reflects growing demand from both retail and professional investors for faster and more flexible funding methods as digital assets become increasingly intertwined with mainstream finance. By integrating stablecoins into its funding infrastructure, Interactive Brokers is positioning itself to serve globally distributed clients who often face high costs and long settlement times when moving capital across borders.
To enable the service, Interactive Brokers partnered with zerohash, which facilitates stablecoin transfers across multiple blockchain networks. The firm said support for additional dollar backed stablecoins including Ripple USD and PayPal USD is expected to roll out soon, broadening the options available to clients. Executives noted that stablecoin funding addresses a persistent friction point in brokerage operations, particularly for international investors. Traditional wire transfers can take several days to settle and often incur sizable fees, while stablecoins offer near instant settlement at lower cost. Interactive Brokers has steadily expanded its crypto exposure since first offering digital asset trading in 2021, initially supporting Bitcoin and Ether before adding other major tokens as client demand evolved.
The rollout comes amid accelerating global adoption of stablecoins for payments, settlements, and capital movement. Institutional interest has grown as regulatory clarity improves and transaction volumes rise sharply. Market data shows stablecoins processing trillions of dollars in transfers annually, driven largely by their efficiency compared with legacy payment rails. Financial firms are increasingly exploring stablecoins as a way to modernize back end infrastructure and improve client experience. By integrating stablecoin funding directly into brokerage accounts, Interactive Brokers is aligning with a broader shift toward tokenized dollars in financial markets. The development signals how stablecoins are moving beyond crypto native platforms and becoming practical tools within traditional investment services.
