Crypto's 580M Users Now Have Real-World Spending Power

TrustLinq, a Swiss-regulated financial intermediary, has launched a crypto-to-fiat payment platform designed to bridge the gap between digital assets and traditional finance. The platform enables users to send fiat payments directly from cryptocurrency holdings to recipients globally in over 70 currencies without requiring a bank account according to the report. By converting crypto to fiat seamlessly, TrustLinq aims to address a critical market inefficiency: while over 580 million cryptocurrency users exist worldwide, less than 0.005% of businesses currently accept digital assets directly. This creates friction for crypto holders seeking to use their assets for real-world expenses such as rent, payroll, and supplier payments.

The platform operates under Swiss regulatory oversight and employs bank-level compliance and automation to execute payments via local rails like SEPA, SWIFT, and Faster Payments. Unlike existing crypto payment processors that require merchants to accept digital currencies directly, TrustLinq allows users to leverage their crypto holdings for fiat transactions without recipients needing to alter their banking infrastructure according to the report. This non-custodial model ensures users retain control over their funds while benefiting from secure, compliant transactions.

TrustLinq's solution targets two primary segments: individuals and businesses. For individuals, the platform facilitates personal expenses like rent, tuition, and international transfers directly from crypto. For businesses, it streamlines vendor payments, international payroll, and operational costs, particularly appealing to trading firms, SaaS companies, and e-commerce businesses that receive crypto as revenue. Sharon Gal Franko, TrustLinq's CEO, emphasized the platform's role in transforming crypto into a practical financial tool: "The future of payments requires bridging crypto and fiat seamlessly. With 580m+ crypto users globally, the demand for compliant fiat utility is immense. TrustLinq enables real-world deployment of digital assets for daily operations, not speculation according to the press release."

Looking ahead, TrustLinq plans to introduce debit card capabilities in Q1 2026, allowing direct crypto-funded purchases at traditional merchants. This expansion underscores the company's vision to transition cryptocurrency from a speculative asset into a mainstream financial instrument for everyday use according to the report. The platform's roadmap also highlights its commitment to regulatory alignment, operating under Swiss AML rules and prioritizing local payment efficiency.

By eliminating the need for recipients to accept crypto or manage digital wallets, TrustLinq addresses a key barrier to adoption. Its approach resonates with users seeking to deploy crypto for tangible expenses while adhering to compliance standards. As the crypto ecosystem evolves, platforms like TrustLinq may play a pivotal role in integrating digital assets into the global financial infrastructure.