The cryptocurrency landscape is pushing economic boundaries, sparking debate about the role of ‘productive illegality’. Stablecoins are proving particularly impactful in regions lacking robust financial regulations. Economists like Byron Gilliam argue that these systems, despite bypassing traditional frameworks, can fuel productivity by enabling new opportunities. Friedrich Schneider and Hernando de Soto’s work on informal economies underpins this notion. 📚 Stablecoin adoption is surging, impacting vulnerable communities seeking alternative financial tools. However, regulatory agencies are stepping up enforcement actions against major firms like Coinbase, demonstrating the balancing act between fostering innovation and curbing potential misuse. ⚖️ History offers further insight: cash has long enabled illegal activity that spurred economic expansion. The current crypto boom echoes this pattern. ✅ The challenge lies in crafting regulatory frameworks that unlock these opportunities without restricting them.