PayPal, a financial behemoth boasting over 350 million customers, ventured into the crypto world with the launch of its stablecoin, PayPal USD (PYUSD), in early August. Hopes were high, with expectations that this move would boost crypto adoption and introduce cryptocurrencies to a wider audience. However, on-chain data and market trends have revealed a less-than-stellar start for PYUSD.
According to blockchain analytics firm Nansen, an astonishing 90% of the PYUSD supply is now held in Paxos Trust's wallets. This concentration raises questions about the intended decentralization of a stablecoin and its ability to function as a digital currency accessible to all. Additionally, major cryptocurrency exchanges like Kraken, Gate.io, and Crypto.com account for around 7% of the total PYUSD supply, leaving little room for so-called "smart money" investors.
One key observation is that PYUSD has failed to capture the interest of the crypto community. Decentralized exchanges like Uniswap offer trading pairs with PYUSD, but these pools hold fewer than 50,000 tokens, signaling limited liquidity. Even the top individual holders of PYUSD appear disinterested, with the largest non-exchange holder having less than $10,000 worth of PYUSD. This holder, as per Nansen's research, acquired PYUSD after selling other meme-based cryptocurrencies, indicating a lack of enthusiasm for PYUSD's utility.
Additionally, there is a significant holdings imbalance in the PYUSD landscape. Fewer than 10 holders, excluding contracts and exchanges, have balances exceeding $1,000. This further underscores the challenge PYUSD faces in becoming a widely adopted and utilized stablecoin.
It's worth noting that PYUSD's introduction to the crypto market was somewhat stealthy, lacking any significant announcement beforehand. This low-key approach may have contributed to its lukewarm reception, as the crypto community was left with little fanfare or information to generate excitement.
Paxos Trust Co. is the company that issues PYUSD, which is a US dollar-pegged currency. Dollar deposits, short-term Treasury bills, and other cash equivalents serve as its security and back it up on the Ethereum blockchain. While established crypto competitors like Circle's USDC have expanded their reach to multiple blockchains, PYUSD struggles to gain a foothold even after three weeks in circulation.
In contrast, USDC, with a market capitalization of $25 billion, and Tether (USDT), with a market capitalization of $20 billion, continue to dominate the stablecoin arena. These well-established stablecoins have successfully built trust within the crypto community and achieved widespread adoption.
Only time will tell whether PYUSD can overcome these obstacles and become a prominent player in the world of stablecoins.
