Stablecoins are no longer just a niche segment within the crypto world. According to a recent report from venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), they are rapidly becoming a major player in global payments. Over the past twelve months, the total value of stablecoin transactions reached an estimated $46 trillion — showing that digital dollars are increasingly being used for everyday payments, not only for crypto trading.

Digital Dollars Gain Momentum in the United States

Major financial institutions such as BlackRock, Visa, JPMorgan Chase, and fintech firms including Stripe and PayPal are stepping deeper into the stablecoin market. The underlying blockchain infrastructure has become over one hundred times more efficient in the past five years, significantly improving transaction speed and scalability. According to the a16z report, stablecoins are now “the fastest, cheapest, and most global way to send a dollar.” This evolution marks their shift from a trading tool to a legitimate payment technology — one that could rival traditional systems like SWIFT or SEPA.

Stablecoins Represent Over 1% of All US Dollars

The scale of stablecoins is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. a16z estimates that stablecoins collectively account for more than one percent of all US dollars in circulation. Moreover, stablecoin issuers hold over $150 billion in US Treasury bonds, placing them among the top 20 largest holders of US government debt — surpassing several nations. According to DefiLlama data, the total market capitalisation of the stablecoin sector currently stands at around $308 billion, with Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) leading the market.

Regulation Drives Adoption in the US and the UK

Regulatory clarity is a key factor behind this growth. In the United States, the GENIUS Act was passed last year, introducing stricter rules for stablecoin issuers — including full reserve transparency and regular auditing requirements. The shift has also led to changing attitudes among traditional banks. Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan and long-time crypto critic, stated earlier this year: “We will be involved with both the JPMorgan Deposit Coin and stablecoins — to understand them and become good at it.” Shortly after, the bank launched its own token on Ethereum‘s Base network: the JPMD token. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom is developing a similar legal framework for stablecoins, expected to be finalised in 2026.

The Next Phase: From Experiment to Everyday Use

While the progress is significant, global adoption of stablecoins remains a work in progress. The infrastructure is ready, but merchant and consumer acceptance is still limited. Integrations with existing payment systems must also improve before stablecoins can function as a true global medium of exchange. Still, the trend is undeniable: stablecoins have become a serious part of the global financial ecosystem and are increasingly bridging the gap between traditional finance and blockchain technology.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always conduct your own research and seek professional guidance before making investment decisions.