The "Layer 1" Fight Is Not About Stablecoins But The Future Of Finance

Published in Business and Finance on Sunday, August 17th 2025 at 14:26 GMT by Forbes
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Can the "Layer 1" of DeFi really be provided Circle or Stripe? Or will it ultimately need Big Tech or governments or someone else to deliver the platform for innovation?

The Layer 1 Fight Is Not About Stablecoins But The Future Of Finance

In the rapidly evolving world of blockchain technology, the competition among Layer 1 protocols— the foundational blockchains like Ethereum, Solana, Binance Smart Chain, and emerging contenders such as Sui or Aptos—has often been framed around specific use cases, particularly the dominance of stablecoins. These digital assets, pegged to fiat currencies like the US dollar, have become the lifeblood of decentralized finance (DeFi), enabling seamless transactions, lending, and yield farming without the volatility of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ether. However, a deeper analysis reveals that this "Layer 1 fight" transcends stablecoins. It's a battle for the very architecture of tomorrow's financial system, where scalability, interoperability, security, and regulatory compliance will determine which networks become the rails for global money movement, identity verification, and even non-financial applications.

At its core, Layer 1 blockchains serve as the base layer for building decentralized applications (dApps). They handle consensus mechanisms, transaction validation, and smart contract execution. The narrative around stablecoins gained traction in recent years, especially with the explosive growth of assets like USDC and USDT, which together command trillions in transaction volume. For instance, Ethereum has long been the go-to platform for stablecoin issuance and trading due to its robust ecosystem and first-mover advantage. Yet, challengers like Solana have lured developers with promises of ultra-fast transaction speeds and lower fees, arguing that Ethereum's congestion during peak times makes it unsuitable for high-frequency stablecoin operations. This has led to migrations, such as stablecoin issuers experimenting with multi-chain deployments to hedge against network failures or high gas costs.

But dismissing the Layer 1 rivalry as merely a stablecoin skirmish overlooks the broader stakes. Stablecoins are just one application; the real prize is reshaping finance itself. Imagine a world where Layer 1 networks underpin not only payments but entire economic systems. For example, Ethereum's transition to proof-of-stake via upgrades like The Merge has positioned it as a leader in energy-efficient, scalable infrastructure, potentially enabling institutional adoption. This isn't just about handling more transactions per second—it's about creating a trustless environment where banks, governments, and individuals can interact without intermediaries. Solana, with its proof-of-history consensus, boasts sub-second finality, making it ideal for real-time finance like high-frequency trading or cross-border remittances. Meanwhile, networks like Polkadot emphasize interoperability, allowing seamless asset transfers between chains, which could solve the fragmentation plaguing the crypto space today.

The future of finance hinges on how these Layer 1s address key challenges. Scalability is paramount: as DeFi scales to rival traditional finance (which handles quadrillions in daily volume), networks must process millions of transactions without buckling. Ethereum's Layer 2 solutions, such as Optimism or Arbitrum, layer on top to offload congestion, but purists argue that true Layer 1 innovation is needed for long-term viability. Security is another battleground; high-profile hacks on bridges and protocols have eroded trust, prompting a push for advanced cryptographic techniques like zero-knowledge proofs, which Ethereum is integrating via zk-rollups. Interoperability extends beyond chains to traditional systems—think CBDCs (central bank digital currencies) or tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) like bonds and real estate. A winning Layer 1 could become the standard for tokenizing everything from stocks to carbon credits, democratizing access to wealth and reducing barriers for underserved populations.

Regulatory dynamics add another layer of complexity. Governments worldwide are scrutinizing stablecoins for their potential to disrupt monetary policy, with frameworks like the EU's MiCA regulation and the US's evolving stance on crypto assets. Layer 1 networks that can navigate this landscape—perhaps by incorporating built-in compliance tools or privacy features—stand to gain. For instance, if a network like Cardano, with its research-driven approach, aligns with academic and regulatory standards, it could attract enterprise users wary of less formalized chains. This regulatory arms race underscores that the fight isn't about who hosts the most stablecoins but who builds the most resilient, adaptable foundation for a hybrid digital-traditional economy.

Looking ahead, the implications are profound. In a post-stablecoin era, Layer 1 winners could redefine money's role in society. Decentralized identity systems on these networks might eliminate the need for centralized databases, enhancing privacy while combating fraud. Supply chain finance could be revolutionized through transparent, immutable ledgers, reducing costs and disputes. Even social impact areas, like microfinance in developing regions, could flourish on low-fee networks, empowering billions currently excluded from banking. However, risks abound: centralization creeps in as validators consolidate power, potentially undermining the decentralized ethos. Environmental concerns persist, though proof-of-stake models mitigate some energy usage compared to proof-of-work.

Critics argue that no single Layer 1 will dominate; instead, a multi-chain future awaits, with bridges and cross-chain protocols fostering coexistence. Yet, history suggests network effects will crown leaders—much like TCP/IP became the internet's backbone. Ethereum's developer community and TVL (total value locked) give it an edge, but innovators like Near Protocol, with sharding for massive scalability, or Avalanche's subnets for customized chains, are closing the gap. The influx of venture capital into Layer 1 projects signals investor belief in this vision: billions poured into ecosystems aiming to capture the $100 trillion global financial market.

Ultimately, the Layer 1 fight is a proxy for reimagining finance in a digital age. Stablecoins are the entry point, but the endgame is a borderless, efficient, inclusive system where value flows freely. As adoption accelerates—driven by Web3 integrations in gaming, social media, and AI—these foundational layers will either propel us toward a utopian financial democracy or falter under the weight of their ambitions. Stakeholders, from retail investors to policymakers, must look beyond the hype to support protocols that prioritize sustainability, equity, and innovation. In this arena, the victors won't just control stablecoins; they'll architect the future of money itself.

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[ https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidbirch/2025/08/17/the-layer-1-fight-is-not-about-stablecoins-but-the-future-of-finance/ ]