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BUSD slips to fourth position among stablecoins

BUSD loses ground in the stablecoin race as market capitalisation dwindles amidst regulatory controversies and market dynamics

Shashank Bhardwaj
Published: Jun 19, 2023 05:51:44 PM IST

Image: ShutterstockImage: Shutterstock

Binance USD (BUSD), the stablecoin pegged to the United States Dollar, has experienced a significant decline in market capitalisation, slipping to the fourth position among stablecoins.

This drop in market value has been observed over the past few months, with BUSD losing over $1 billion in market capitalisation within the previous 30 days alone. The decline in BUSD's market capitalisation can be attributed to many factors, including recent developments surrounding Binance and the broader dynamics of the stablecoin market.

BUSD's market capitalisation currently stands at around $4.3 billion, down 29 percent from $5.54 billion on May 18. This downward trend has been evident since December 2022, when BUSD's market capitalization peaked at $23 billion. The decline in BUSD's market value concerns investors and observers, as it signifies a loss of confidence in the stablecoin and raises questions about its future prospects.

One significant event that has impacted BUSD's market capitalisation is the controversy surrounding Binance, the cryptocurrency exchange that played a crucial role in creating and promoting BUSD. In November 2022, Binance faced a major setback when its partner exchange, FTX, experienced a dramatic collapse. Following this incident, a report suggested that the U.S. Department of Justice would target Binance. The news triggered a wave of withdrawals, amounting to $3.6 billion within a week. Market makers, including Jump Finance, redeemed a substantial amount of BUSD, contributing to its declining market capitalisation.

The decline in BUSD's market capitalisation has highlighted the vulnerability of stablecoins to external factors and market sentiment. Stablecoins are designed to maintain a stable value by being pegged to a fiat currency. Regulatory concerns, legal challenges, and market fluctuations can compromise their stability. The Binance events have underscored these risks, leading investors to reevaluate their holdings of BUSD and seek alternative stablecoin options.

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The cryptocurrency market has witnessed shifts in the market share of stablecoins such as USDT and USDC, while BUSD has declined. The SEC lawsuit against Binance has further impacted BUSD's market capitalisation. These developments underscore the importance of closely monitoring the performance of stablecoins and taking appropriate measures to manage their risks. Investors must stay informed and make informed decisions based on market trends and regulatory developments.

BUSD's decline in market capitalisation and fall to the fourth position among stablecoins highlight the challenges faced by stablecoin issuers and the importance of regulatory compliance. To regain market trust and compete with other stablecoins, it is crucial for BUSD and its issuer, Binance, to address regulatory concerns, demonstrate transparency, and restore investor confidence.

The writer is the founder at yMedia. He ventured into crypto in 2013 and is an ETH maximalist. Twitter: @bhardwajshash

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