Crypto Payments Rise as Wallets Transition from Trading to Daily Use

Crypto wallets are increasingly being used for daily transactions, moving beyond early adopters focused on trading. This shift is evident in the growing use of stablecoins for payments and earnings, which continued to expand despite a cooling broader market. As self-custodial wallets support a broader range of financial activities, the role of crypto in everyday life is becoming clearer.

Bitget Wallet saw a significant increase in onchain trading and derivatives volume in 2025. Monthly swap trading volume exceeded $900 million, while perpetual trading volume approached $5 billion. These figures reflect a broader trend toward decentralized exchanges, with the ratio of decentralized to centralized perpetual futures trading volume tripling to 18.7%.

In 2025, payment functionality became a key driver of wallet adoption. Bitget Wallet Card's annual spending volume grew more than 28-fold. As global stablecoin transactions reached $46 trillion annually, the integration of crypto into retail and financial flows became more seamless.

The Bybit hack highlighted growing security concerns in the crypto space. The incident underscored weaknesses in custody and transaction oversight, with stolen funds moving across chains using decentralized routing infrastructure. FATF and security experts linked the breach to hackers tied to North Korea, raising alarms about the systemic risks posed by decentralized protocols.

Regulators in several countries responded to the incident by tightening crypto licensing and oversight. Singapore ordered unlicensed crypto firms to obtain permits or leave the market. Similar enforcement actions were taken in Thailand and the Philippines, reflecting a global push to strengthen compliance and security.

Why Did This Happen?

The Bybit hack exposed vulnerabilities in custody security and anti-money laundering (AML) controls. Once funds leave a compromised wallet, attackers can atomize and recompose value across chains faster than human response cycles. This shift has changed the industry's perspective, with decentralized infrastructure now seen as a potential enabler of large-scale theft.

The incident reignited debates over the responsibilities of decentralized protocols. While supporters argue that such infrastructure is neutral, critics emphasize the need for greater accountability and oversight. As stolen funds moved through routing networks like THORChain and eXch, attention turned to the risks associated with crosschain transactions.

How Did Markets Respond?

Despite security concerns, the broader crypto market continued to evolve. In 2025, the fintech industry saw a regulatory easing, allowing crypto firms to form partnerships with traditional banks. Coinbase, for instance, announced deals with Citigroup and PNC. This shift marked a departure from the speculative frenzy of 2021, where many startups were valued based on projected growth rather than sustainable performance.

The relaxed regulatory environment also fueled a wave of crypto initial public offerings (IPOs). Companies like Circle, Gemini, and Klarna went public in 2025, providing investors with new opportunities to capitalize on crypto growth. Analysts expect more fintech IPOs in 2026, as firms continue to integrate crypto into their business models.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Analysts are closely monitoring the integration of AI into crypto platforms. KuCoin recently rolled out KIA, a crypto-native AI designed to simplify market insights and user interaction. The tool allows users to access real-time data and contextual insights through natural language queries.

KIA is not a general-purpose chatbot. It is tailored specifically for digital asset markets, interpreting user intent and providing relevant, timely insights. The AI continuously monitors market-related information, including news, community discussions, and on-chain activity, to help users make informed decisions.

The rise of crypto-native AI reflects a broader trend of using intelligent tools to enhance user experience and decision-making in the crypto space. As the market becomes more complex, the need for accessible, user-friendly tools increases.

In 2026, the white label payment gateway market is expected to grow significantly, driven by the demand for customizable, scalable solutions. Businesses are adopting white label gateways to streamline their payment processes and reduce costs. The integration of advanced analytics and reporting features is helping companies gain insights into consumer behavior and fraud detection.

As the crypto market continues to mature, the adoption of secure, low-fee payment gateways is becoming a priority for businesses. Companies like NOWPayments, CoinGate, and BitPay are leading the way, offering solutions that support a wide range of cryptocurrencies and fiat conversions.

The growing importance of crypto in global commerce highlights the need for businesses to adapt and integrate digital assets into their payment systems. With improved scalability and regulatory clarity, crypto is becoming a strategic necessity for forward-looking companies.

The transition from trading-focused wallets to everyday financial tools reflects a broader shift in crypto adoption. As more users begin to use digital assets for spending, earning, and asset management, the role of crypto in the global economy is expected to expand.