Tech Start-ups and Stablecoins: Between Opportunities and Fraud Concerns

Stablecoins are rapidly becoming a key tool for tech start-ups seeking to optimize international payments and enhance operational efficiency. According to recent research conducted by Enfuce, a leading company in the issuance and management of payment systems, new tech sector enterprises in Europe and the United Kingdom are carefully considering the adoption of stablecoins, recognizing their revolutionary potential. However, strong concerns persist regarding fraud and possible links to illicit activities, which hinder a broader adoption of this technology.

Research Between Enthusiasm and Caution

The research, conducted by Sapio on behalf of Enfuce, involved 250 executives from tech start-ups across Europe and the United Kingdom, all with direct knowledge of stablecoins. The results are telling: 87% of respondents view the adoption of stablecoins as a competitive advantage, while 76% believe they could represent the “future of money.” Despite this enthusiasm, nearly all (97%) acknowledge the presence of external risks that could hinder future adoption.

The Main Barriers to Adoption

The most widespread concern involves fraud and the use of cryptocurrencies for illicit trade: 50% of respondents cite these aspects as the main obstacles to the adoption of stablecoins. These fears are not unfounded: according to the Financial Action Task Force, stablecoins are now among the virtual assets most frequently used for illicit activities, with the majority of suspicious transactions involving these very instruments.

Other risks reported by start-ups include increasing regulatory complexity (37%), the risk of depreciation or “depegging” of stablecoins (34%), and environmental impact (27%).

Stablecoin: between real usage and risk awareness

Despite concerns, start-ups well-versed in stablecoins remain optimistic about the potential benefits. Almost all companies involved in the research already hold stablecoins or plan to do so; only 6% foresee no future use. Among those currently using them, 40% hold an average of 39% of their reserves in stablecoins, equivalent to approximately 60,000 euros.

Limited Understanding of Insurance and Regulations

An interesting fact concerns risk awareness: only 18% of respondents claim to have a “complete understanding” of insurance guarantees or protections on funds held in stablecoins, while just 20% state they are thoroughly familiar with the current and future regulatory framework. This knowledge gap represents an additional barrier to widespread adoption.

Reasons for the Choice: Efficiency and Innovation

The reasons driving startups to focus on stablecoins are clear: the ability to make faster and cheaper international payments, improved operational efficiency, and access to a new financial infrastructure. These elements are particularly relevant for companies operating in global markets that require agile and innovative solutions.

The Voices of Enfuce: Trust and Regulation at the Core

According to Monika Liikamaa, co-founder and co-CEO of Enfuce:

Denise Johannson, co-founder and co-CEO of Enfuce, also emphasizes the importance of clear regulation: 

The Role of Enfuce in Payment Innovation

Founded in 2016, Enfuce has established itself as one of the most innovative and valuable scaleups in Finland, standing out for its ability to combine cutting-edge technology and security. The company, led by female leadership, offers modular and cloud-based solutions for payment management, supporting a wide range of programs—from debit and credit cards to prepaid systems, and even corporate fleet solutions.

Enfuce was the first financial services company in the world to achieve PCI-DSS certification while operating entirely on public cloud, and holds licenses issued by both the Finnish authority and the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority. The platform ensures 99.999% uptime and global scalability, integrating with major payment networks and digital wallets.

With over 73.5 million euros raised in various funding rounds and numerous international accolades, Enfuce continues to lead innovation in digital payments, focusing on collaboration, transparency, and security.

Towards the Future: Balancing Innovation and Responsibility

The picture emerging from Enfuce’s research is that of a rapidly evolving sector, where stablecoins and new financial technologies represent a significant opportunity for start-ups, but only if they decisively tackle the challenges related to security, regulation, and transparency. Trust, as emphasized by Enfuce’s leaders, will be the key to transforming the potential of stablecoins into a widespread and sustainable reality over time.