Stablecoin Payments in 12 Months: Myles Harrison on AMINA Bank's Build

In this episode of Bitcoin.com News Interviews, Alex Richardson speaks with Myles Harrison, Chief Product Officer at Amina Bank, during Paris Blockchain Week 2026. The conversation centers on the rapid evolution of crypto banking and the pivotal role of stablecoins in shaping the future of digital finance. Harrison emphasizes that stablecoin-powered cross-border payments are poised to achieve mainstream adoption within the next 12 months, driven by regulatory clarity in Europe (particularly under MICA), infrastructure advancements like Project Agora, and improved user experience. Amina Bank, with its regulated entities across Switzerland, Austria, Hong Kong, and the EU, exemplifies how traditional financial institutions are building compliant, scalable crypto services. The discussion highlights how stablecoins serve as a foundational layer for tokenized assets, enabling 24/7 settlement and reducing friction in financial systems. Harrison also reflects on the maturation of DeFi, noting a shift from vanity projects to practical, compliant products with real-world utility. He underscores that the current bear market is a period of critical infrastructure building—especially in TradFi and CeFi—that will fuel explosive growth when the next bull run arrives. Key takeaways include: (1) Stablecoin payments will cross the chasm into mass adoption within 12 months, especially in Europe; (2) Regulatory frameworks like MICA and upcoming UK/FCA legislation are essential enablers; (3) Project Agora demonstrates real-world, production-grade blockchain settlement between banks and central banks; (4) The bear market is now a period of foundational infrastructure development; (5) UX improvements and on-chain payment rails are critical for mainstream adoption. The overall tone is optimistic and forward-looking, with strong confidence in the near-term viability of stablecoin payments.