Stablecoins are increasingly moving beyond trading and into real-world financial activity, with a new global survey indicating that 39% of crypto users receive income in stablecoins and 27% use them for everyday payments. The findings, based on responses from 4,658 users across 15 countries, underscore the growing role of digital dollar-pegged assets in cross-border transactions and wage distribution.
The data suggests that cost efficiency and speed remain the primary drivers. Respondents using stablecoins for international transfers reported roughly 40% lower fees compared with traditional remittance channels, reinforcing their appeal in regions with limited banking infrastructure and high foreign exchange costs. Adoption was notably higher in emerging markets, where ownership rates reached 60% and climbed to 79% in parts of Africa.
Institutional integration is also accelerating as regulatory clarity improves. Frameworks such as the GENIUS Act in the United States and Europe’s MiCA regime are encouraging fintech firms and payroll platforms to incorporate stablecoin settlement into existing systems. Surveys show 77% of respondents would open a stablecoin wallet through a bank or fintech provider, signaling potential convergence between traditional finance and blockchain-based payment rails.
At the same time, the stablecoin market’s growth to over $300 billion in supply reflects broader macro demand for stable, programmable digital cash. As enterprises explore cross-border payroll, embedded finance, and debit card integrations, stablecoins are increasingly positioned as a transactional layer rather than a purely speculative asset class.
