Tether co-founder Reeve Collins predicts that tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) and alternative backing could challenge the dominance of dollar-based stablecoins, with a Trump-linked project highlighting growing institutional interest in the sector.
At a recent blockchain conference in Dubai, Reeve Collins, co-founder of Tether, shared his vision for the future of stablecoins, suggesting that the era of U.S. dollar-backed stablecoins may be nearing its end. While dollar-backed stablecoins currently lead the crypto market, Collins highlighted the rapid emergence of stablecoins backed by diverse assets, such as tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) and commodities.
Collins, who is also involved with Pi Protocol—a decentralized finance platform focused on improving stablecoin yields—explained that dollar-backed stablecoins have played a significant role in maintaining the dollar's dominance in the crypto space. However, he believes that new forms of collateral are poised to disrupt this landscape.
Collins pointed to tokenized RWAs as a major force that could redefine stablecoin backing. He noted that assets like money market funds, gold, and other yield-generating instruments could provide higher returns compared to traditional U.S. Treasury bills, which are commonly used to back stablecoins today.“
Imagine stablecoins backed by money market funds that offer better yields than T-bills, or other on-chain assets—these will likely take the lead,” Collins said. He emphasized that tokenized assets could expand the possibilities for stablecoin collateral, moving beyond the dollar to create more diverse and appealing financial products.
Collins also highlighted the recent launch of World Liberty Financial (WLFI), a stablecoin project tied to U.S. President Donald Trump. Deployed on BNB Chain and Ethereum, WLFI is not yet tradable but represents a milestone for the industry. “Having a stablecoin backed by a U.S. president is a big deal—it sets the stage for global adoption,” Collins remarked.
He believes this high-profile involvement could help normalize stablecoins, encouraging broader acceptance among institutions, governments, and major fintech players worldwide. The Trump-linked project signals a growing institutional interest in stablecoins, which could further accelerate innovation in the sector.
Looking forward, Collins envisions a decentralized and varied stablecoin ecosystem. With tokenized RWAs gaining traction and influential endorsements driving adoption, the dominance of USD-backed stablecoins may wane. This shift could unlock higher yields and more tailored financial solutions for users across different markets, reshaping the stablecoin landscape in the years to come.