Nubank’s addition of crypto features in 2024 is a strategy for systematically embedding digital assets into everyday finance. By turning USDC into a transactional stablecoin, enabling instant Bitcoin payments, streamlining swaps, and introducing passive income rewards, Nubank is redefining how digital banks integrate DeFi, making crypto a seamless, functional, and rewarding financial tool.

• The 10x surge in USDC holdings and 30% portfolio share among Nubank users underscores stablecoins’ rising importance as an inflation hedge and gateway to deeper crypto engagement. The fact that over 50% of new users chose USDC first signals shifting consumer confidence toward stable, regulated digital assets.
• Nubank’s adoption of Lightspark’s Lightning Network transforms Bitcoin from a store of value into a viable payment method. Instant, low-cost transactions make Bitcoin more practical for microtransactions and cross-border payments—a crucial evolution for crypto in emerging markets.
• By enabling direct swaps between BTC, ETH, SOL, and USDC within its app, Nubank eliminates reliance on third-party exchanges. This not only reduces costs but also enhances liquidity within its own ecosystem.
• Additionally, daily yields on USDC balances provide users with an easy on-ramp to DeFi-like earnings—without the complexity of staking or liquidity pools. This strategy democratizes access to yield-bearing assets, making crypto more attractive for the masses.

With these moves, Nubank is crafting a new digital banking model—one where crypto isn’t an add-on but an integrated financial layer that enhances payments, savings, and accessibility.