Join Arthur Firstov, Chief Business Officer at Mercuryo, as he unpacks the evolution of crypto payments, the rapid rise of stablecoins, and the impact of regulatory compliance on the fintech landscape. Gain insight into how Web3 is converging with traditional finance, and learn key lessons from building global payment infrastructure in the ever-changing world of digital assets.

Summary

Arthur Firstov, Chief Business Officer of Mercuryo, discussed the evolution of cryptocurrency payments, highlighting the shift from web 2.0 to web 3.0 and the rise of stablecoins, which grew to nearly $100 billion in 2025. He noted the increasing adoption of stablecoins in e-commerce, citing Shopify's partnership with Solana and Circle. Firstov emphasized the challenges of regulatory compliance and the need for interoperable payment systems. He also predicted that traditional finance will integrate stablecoins, enabling businesses to manage treasuries and earn yield. Mercuryo supports over 11 million users and partners, focusing on agility and compliance.

Key Quotes:

• "Stablecoin payments have nearly reached $100 billion this year, showing just how far crypto utility has come."
• "The main challenge now is the fragmentation of payment networks and blockchain infrastructure, making seamless user experience critical."
• "Compliance is no longer a barrier, but an innovation advantage, as regulating enables new payment rails and products."
• "Every FinTech and payment company will soon be a stablecoin company, with traditional institutions adopting digital assets for settlements and treasuries."
• "Now is the perfect moment to join the crypto space—learn the fundamentals, connect with the community, and seize the real-world opportunities emerging every day.”

Takeaways:

• Stablecoins have driven massive growth in global crypto payments, rapidly increasing everyday utility and adoption.
• Regulatory compliance has shifted from a hurdle to a competitive advantage for fintech and crypto companies.
• Seamless integration between Web3 platforms and traditional finance remains a key challenge due to fragmentation and diverse user needs.
• Partnerships, agility, and product innovation are essential for building scalable, interoperable crypto payment infrastructure.
• As the industry matures, professionals and newcomers should embrace education, networking, and adaptability to succeed in the evolving digital asset landscape.

Timestamps:

• 0:00 Introduction & Guest Background
• 0:20 What Is Mercuryo? Payment Network Explained
• 1:11 Evolution of Crypto Payments
• 2:42 Crypto Adoption in E-commerce
• 3:40 Bridging Web3 and Traditional Finance
• 5:51 Lessons from Building Global Infrastructure
• 8:12 Regulatory Compliance & Building Trust
• 9:58 Insights from Token2049 Singapore
• 12:25 Is It Too Late to Get Into Crypto?
• 16:26 The Future of Digital Banking & Stablecoins
• 19:16 Key Takeaway & Advice for the Audience
• 20:44 Closing Remarks

Links/Resource

Website: https://mercuryo.io/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-firstov

Facebook: www.facebook.com/artur.firstov

Podcast: Full Tech Ahead — Hosted by Amanda Razani

Find Amanda Razani on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-razani-990a7233/