This stock trading platform comes in the form of an app that is available on both Google Play and Apple Store.

According to recent surveys, there are about 47% of Filipinos have owned crypto, and about 19% of them are current asset holders. This number covers different assets such as cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, NFTs, and stablecoins which are known for being less prone to price volatility. This is because these assets are pegged to certain currencies. 

Unbeknownst to many, stablecoins can be used for other purposes aside from remittances and store payments. Given their stable value, these assets are considered as a great option for holders who want to protect their assets, especially during down market times. 

To effectively prove how stablecoins bridge the gap between fiat and crypto, a platform that allows people to invest in the US Stock Market with stablecoins was launched in the United States. This is called Cera—a US stock trading platform that was founded by a team of former Google engineers who are well-versed with the ins and outs of the stock market and web3 technology.

Cera is backed by Y Combinator, in partnership with Fireblocks, which recently announced its Beta launch to allow Filipinos and other investors to do the same. And while it may only be a year old, it aims to expand all over the world. In fact, it has started rolling out in the Philippines already.

“Cera is revolutionizing the entryway to the US stock market through a seamless deposit, purchase, and trade process,” says Cera’s Product Lead, Daniel Phan. “Our core values of stability, transparency, and accessibility ensure that diverse global communities including Filipinos can confidently engage with the market.”

Y Combinator and Cera: A Mutual Partnership

Y Combinator is an American technology startup accelerator that has been used to launch thousands of companies. Every year, it invests in a large number of startups to help them succeed in their respective industries. And one of the recent ones they have supported is Cera, the first stock trading platform that takes deposits via stablecoins.

The founders of Cera emphasize the convenience and global accessibility of stablecoins. Thus, beyond being just any other stock trading platform, Cera allows anyone in the world to invest in stocks in the United States using stablecoins.

The platform supports stablecoins such as USD Coin (USDC), Tether (USDT), and Binance USD (BUSD). Each of these is pegged to a value of USD 1 (around PHP 56.46). Also, it is by using these that users are assured about their assets’ stability and an eliminated hassle of complex account setups.

Through the platform, anyone can buy and trade a wide range of stocks. These include energy companies, healthcare providers, and tech giants. This means that users can invest in Tesla Inc. (TSLA), Apple Inc. (AAPL), and even Microsoft Corporation (MSFT).

Interested users can download it as an app—available on both Google Play and Apple Store. It should be noted, however, that the app is on its Beta launch, which means that certain features are still being tested and a more official version of the app will be available in the future. 

How This is Beneficial for Filipinos

By using the platform, users will be able to buy and trade a wide range of stocks. Among those that they’ll see are energy companies, healthcare providers, and tech giants such as Tesla Inc. (TSLA), Apple Inc. (AAPL), and Microsoft Corporation (MSFT).

As it allows anyone anywhere to invest in US stockers, what Cera does is make the US stock market accessible to everyone around the world, since the platform allows investing as little as $2 (PHP 114). To improve investing flexibility, the platform also supports investments in fractional shares.

This is beneficial for any Filipino who wants to invest in the US stock market. And while the platform is certainly advantageous for veteran stock traders, it is also very useful for newbies because the app makes trading convenient and easy to do. 

Aside from this, it allays fears some newbie investors may have about having to invest a large amount of money. Allowing users to invest as little as PHP 114 will also encourage those who are hesitant and doubtful to give stock trading a shot. 

“We aspire to empower anyone in the world with global investment opportunities, emphasizing ease and user fund security. Our partnership with Fireblocks ensures that our users always have control over their investments,” Phan explains.

Overall, this sparks the idea of investing in Filipino minds, as platform launches like these can be essential in shaping financial literacy in the country.