Key Findings on Stablecoin Adoption and Growth
Payment giant Visa, in collaboration with Brevan Howard and Castle Island Ventures, has published a groundbreaking report titled "Stablecoins: An Emerging Markets Story." This comprehensive study tracks real-world stablecoin usage across five emerging economies—Brazil, Nigeria, Turkey, Indonesia, and India—surveying 2,500 users.
Accelerating Market Traction
- Transaction volume: $2.6 trillion in H1 2024, projected to reach **$5.28 trillion annually**—surpassing 2023's $3.7 trillion total
- User adoption: 57% increased stablecoin usage over the past year, with 72% anticipating continued growth
- Market position: Stablecoins now account for 70-80% of public blockchain settlement value
Why Stablecoins Are Gaining Momentum
The report identifies stablecoins as the core utility application within crypto ecosystems, demonstrating three primary use cases:
- Cross-border payments: Facilitating faster and cheaper remittances
- Merchant transactions: Enabling seamless global commerce
- Currency hedging: Providing stability in volatile economic environments
👉 Discover how stablecoins are transforming global finance
Emerging Markets Lead Adoption
Research highlights disproportionate growth in surveyed countries:
- Brazil: 62% of crypto users now prefer stablecoins for international transfers
- Nigeria: Stablecoin-powered e-commerce grew 210% year-over-year
- India: 58% of small businesses accept stablecoin payments
Sustainability Beyond Crypto Cycles
Despite cryptocurrency market fluctuations, stablecoins show consistent monthly active user growth, suggesting decoupling from broader crypto volatility.
FAQ: Understanding Stablecoin Trends
Q: Which stablecoins dominate emerging markets?
A: USDT and USDC collectively represent 89% of transactions in surveyed regions.
Q: How do users primarily access stablecoins?
A: 73% utilize centralized exchanges, while 27% use decentralized protocols.
Q: What drives stablecoin adoption in developing economies?
A: High inflation (41%), banking access limitations (33%), and lower remittance fees (26%) are key factors.