Fundamentals of Stablecoins and the Mechanisms of Arbitrage
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Keywords
stablecoin, arbitrage, cryptocurrency
Abstract
Stablecoins are a type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value by pegging to fiat currencies or other assets through specific mechanisms. Currently, the market features four main types of stablecoins: fiat-collateralized, crypto-collateralized, algorithmic, and newly emerging hybrid models. This paper provides an in-depth examination of the fundamentals, classification and evolution, arbitrage mechanisms, and regulatory risks of stablecoins. The arbitrage mechanisms of stablecoins include simple spot arbitrage, cross-exchange arbitrage, and funding-rate-based arbitrage. These mechanisms play a crucial role in maintaining price stability but are also constrained by market frictions and inherent risks. The rapid development of stablecoins and their potential financial risks have attracted close attention from global regulators, as regulatory frameworks continue to evolve and undergo negotiation. In the future, research on stablecoins should further explore how to strike a new balance between encouraging innovation and preventing systemic risks.
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