In this episode of Stable Talks, Caio Barbosa sits down with Raagulan Pathy, Co-Founder of KAST,to discuss how KAST is revolutionizing cross-border payments by using stablecoins to create a global, borderless financial ecosystem.
Raagulan shares insights on how KAST is building a stablecoin-powered credit card, offering users access to global payments without the limitations of traditional banking systems. He also discusses the challenges of operating in highly regulated markets, how stablecoins are streamlining cross-border payments, and the role compliance plays in ensuring growth and trust.
They also discuss how programmable money and self-custodial banking are creating new opportunities for financial inclusion, as well as KAST’s vision for a future where financial services are borderless and accessible to everyone.
🎧 Listen to the full episode below or read on for the main highlights of the conversation.
Highlights from the conversation
1. Building the Future of Payments with Stablecoins
“At KAST, we’re revolutionizing global payments by making stablecoins the core of our platform.”
— Raagulan Pathy
The vision behind KAST’s creation and the focus on stablecoin-powered credit cards
How stablecoins are solving inefficiencies in cross-border payments
Why regulation is essential for scaling a financial service across multiple regions
2. The Role of Stablecoins in Transforming Cross-Border Payments
“Stablecoins provide a faster, cheaper, and more efficient way to process international payments.”
— Raagulan Pathy
The rise of stablecoins as a solution to FX inefficiencies and payment delays
How KAST is enabling users to perform global payments seamlessly with stablecoins
The role of programmable money in creating more efficient financial systems
3. Compliance and Regulation as Foundations for Growth
“Compliance isn’t just a hurdle; it’s an enabler for building long-term trust and scaling the business.”
— Raagulan Pathy
Why compliance is at the heart of KAST’s growth strategy
How the company ensures regulatory alignment across regions while maintaining innovation
The importance of a global approach to financial regulation and licensing
4. Self-Custodial Banking: Empowering Users with Control
“Self-custody allows users to have full control over their assets, without relying on intermediaries.”
— Raagulan Pathy
The growing importance of self-custodial solutions for global financial inclusion
How KAST is integrating stablecoins into a broader financial ecosystem
The future of self-custody in providing financial independence
5. The Future of Borderless Financial Services
“We’re building a world where payments are instant, programmable, and borderless.”
— Raagulan Pathy
The vision for stablecoin-powered global financial systems
How AI and programmable finance will shape the future of payments and financial platforms
The role of KAST in creating a new financial ecosystem for global users
Stablecoins: The Key to a Borderless Financial Future
This episode highlights how stablecoins are not just a more efficient way to make payments, but a game-changer in building the next wave of global financial infrastructure. Raagulan’s vision for self-custodial banking and programmable money outlines a borderless future where global financial services are within reach of everyone, everywhere.
“We’re building the future of financial payments where borders don’t matter, and stablecoins are the key to unlocking it.”
— Raagulan Pathy (KAST)
🔗 Caio Barbosa on LinkedIn
🔗 Raagulan Pathy on LinkedIn
🔗 KAST Website: https://kast.xyz
What is KAST and how does it use stablecoins for payments?
KAST is a fintech company building a global, borderless financial ecosystem powered by stablecoins. It offers a stablecoin-powered credit card that enables users to make payments worldwide without relying on traditional banking systems. By using stablecoins as the core of its platform, KAST eliminates many of the inefficiencies and costs associated with cross-border transactions.
How do stablecoin-powered credit cards differ from traditional credit cards?
Stablecoin-powered credit cards use digital assets pegged to fiat currencies as the underlying payment method instead of traditional bank accounts. This enables borderless payments with lower fees, faster settlement, and no need for currency conversion when transacting internationally. Users maintain control of their stablecoin holdings while accessing the same merchant acceptance network as traditional cards.
What role does compliance play in scaling stablecoin financial services?
Compliance is critical for scaling stablecoin financial services because it builds trust with regulators, banking partners, and users. Companies like KAST that operate across multiple regulated markets must navigate different regulatory frameworks while maintaining high standards for KYC, AML, and consumer protection. Strong compliance foundations enable partnerships with traditional financial institutions and support sustainable growth.
What is self-custodial banking and how does it relate to stablecoins?
Self-custodial banking refers to financial services where users maintain direct control of their assets through personal wallets, rather than relying on a third-party custodian like a traditional bank. Combined with stablecoins, this model enables users to hold, send, and receive stable-value digital assets without intermediaries, offering greater financial autonomy, lower fees, and access to global financial services regardless of geographic location.
