Who uses stablecoins, and why?
Even as stablecoins achieve remarkable adoption, their role in global finance remains misunderstood. Many assume stablecoins serve only crypto-native purposes—acting as collateral or settlement tools for traders. However, the data reveals a broader impact.
The Rise of Stablecoins
- Market Size: Aggregate stablecoin supply exceeds $170 billion.
- Settlement Volume: Trillions of dollars in value settled annually.
- User Base: 20M+ onchain addresses transact monthly; 120M+ hold stablecoin balances.
These metrics underscore stablecoins’ emergence as parallel financial infrastructure—grown from near zero in just five years.
Beyond Crypto: Real-World Use Cases
Emerging markets face dollar scarcity, pushing users toward stablecoins as digital dollar equivalents. Common applications include:
- Remittances and cross-border payments.
- International trade settlement.
- Savings instruments for inflation-hit economies.
To validate these trends, we surveyed 2,541 crypto users across Brazil, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Turkey, combining responses with onchain data and builder insights.
Key Findings
- Remittance Dominance: 68% of respondents use stablecoins for cross-border transfers, citing lower fees and faster speeds.
- Dollar Alternatives: In countries with currency volatility, stablecoins serve as savings vehicles.
- Merchant Adoption: Small businesses increasingly accept stablecoins for international transactions.
👉 Explore how stablecoins revolutionize finance
FAQ
Q1: Are stablecoins legal?
A: Most jurisdictions regulate them as digital assets, but compliance varies. Always check local laws.
Q2: How do stablecoins maintain their peg?
A: Through collateralization (e.g., USD reserves) or algorithmic mechanisms.
Q3: What risks do users face?
A: Smart contract vulnerabilities, regulatory shifts, and issuer solvency.
Conclusion
Stablecoins transcend crypto trading, becoming vital tools in emerging markets. Their growth reflects demand for accessible, dollar-denominated financial services—a trend poised to accelerate.