BBM25: Metallicus' John Ainsworth Talks Stablecoins on Steriods...

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John Ainsworth, General Manager at Metallicus, joined us in the Studio Lounge to share his insights and expertise on stablecoins on steroids and how it ties in with agentic commerce for credit unions.

In particular, John stressed the importance of member engagement and the need for credit unions to adapt to emerging financial technologies such as stablecoin, crypto, blockchain, etc.

He also highlighted partnerships as crucial, along with the necessity for credit unions to understand their members' cryptocurrency interactions, identifying stablecoin use cases and future strategies.

Q&A summary
What recent developments have occurred in the merger between Metallicus and CU Ledger?
In January, CU Ledger was acquired, and while many had forgotten about it, it was a significant step towards addressing identity and fraud issues. The legal name of CU Ledger remains unchanged, but the focus has shifted to broader applications beyond just blockchain.
What insights were shared about consumer engagement with stablecoins?
A recent article revealed that over 25% of consumers already hold some form of stablecoins, and 50% are willing to switch payment methods, indicating a growing interest in this area.
What advice is given to credit unions regarding stablecoins?
Credit unions should analyze their member engagement with cryptocurrencies, understand the merchant landscape, and consider how stablecoins could impact their deposits and services.
What is the significance of the pilot program mentioned in the discussion?
The pilot program involves 20 credit unions issuing stablecoins on a live network, allowing participants to gain hands-on experience with the technology and its applications.
What role do partnerships play in the adoption of stablecoins for credit unions?
Evaluating partnerships is essential for credit unions to align with organizations that can help them navigate the stablecoin landscape and enhance their offerings.
What are the key takeaways for credit unions moving forward into 2026?
Credit unions need to identify specific use cases for stablecoins, whether it's issuing their own or participating in existing stablecoin environments, to align their strategies for the future.

Check it out and let us know your thoughts. And be sure to watch all our Studio Lounge episodes from Filene's big.bright.minds on our episode archive page -- as well as visiting our sponsors who support our conference coverage: Filene, Origence, Abacus, Backbone, and "Despite Impossible" podcast.