Interactive Brokers Adds Instant USDC Stablecoin Funding for Brokerage Accounts
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) has launched a stablecoin deposit feature enabling eligible users to fund brokerage accounts instantly using USDC. The service, powered by crypto infrastructure provider Zero Hash, supports transfers on Ethereum, Base and Solana, with funds landing in seconds and available 24/7 — reducing time and fees versus bank wire transfers. Initially rolled out to a subset of KYC-verified U.S. retail customers, IBKR plans phased global expansion and will publish step-by-step guides on its website and app. The move follows founder Thomas Peterffy’s earlier comments about exploring stablecoin deposits and signals faster-than-expected adoption of crypto rails by traditional brokerages. Key SEO keywords: Interactive Brokers, USDC, stablecoin funding, instant deposit, Zero Hash.
Bullish
Enabling instant USDC funding at a major brokerage reduces frictions between crypto and TradFi, likely increasing stablecoin utility and on-ramp volume. Short-term, the announcement can boost demand for USDC as traders use it to quickly move capital into equity positions or cash out crypto holdings into brokerage accounts — potentially increasing stablecoin flows and trading activity. Historically, integrations (e.g., exchanges or payment platforms adding stablecoin rails) have supported higher stablecoin circulation and improved liquidity across markets. Long-term, broader rollout could normalize stablecoin settlement in retail brokerage operations, lower funding costs, and encourage other brokerages to adopt similar rails — a structural bullish signal for stablecoin adoption and crypto-TradFi interoperability. Risks that temper the impact include regulatory scrutiny over stablecoins and operational limits on which customers or jurisdictions are eligible, which may slow adoption pace but not negate the positive trend.