Stablecoin Flows Could Touch $56 Trillion by 2030: Bloomberg

Generated by AI AgentJax MercerReviewed byAInvest News Editorial Team
Friday, Jan 9, 2026 12:40 am ET2min read
USDC--
USDT--
SOL--
Aime RobotAime Summary

- Stablecoin transactions hit $33 trillion in 2025, led by USDCUSDC-- ($18.3T) and USDTUSDC-- ($13.3T), driven by institutional adoption and emerging market demand.

- The Genius Act (2025) and global frameworks like EU MiCA accelerated growth, with Bloomberg forecasting $56.6T in flows by 2030 at 81% CAGR.

- USDC dominates DeFi trading/lending, while USDT remains key for payments; institutions like WalmartWMT-- and Western UnionWU-- now adopt blockchain-based stablecoins.

- IMF warns of risks to traditional finance, but stablecoins are increasingly viewed as inflation hedges in unstable economies, with market value projected to reach $2T by 2028.

Stablecoin transactions reached a record $33 trillion in 2025, according to data from Artemis Analytics Inc.. USDCUSDC-- led the charge, accounting for $18.3 trillion in flows, while Tether's USDTUSDT-- recorded $13.3 trillion. The surge in volume reflects broader adoption, especially among institutions and in emerging markets. Favorable policy under U.S. President Donald Trump has further fueled growth, with the Genius Act providing a legal framework for stablecoins.

The rapid growth continues. Total stablecoin payment flows could reach $56.6 trillion by 2030, according to analysis by Bloomberg Intelligence. This would represent an 81% compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) over the next five years. Such a trajectory underscores the growing importance of stablecoins in global financial infrastructure.

Artemis data also reveals a shift in usage patterns. USDC is increasingly used in decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, where the same stablecoin is reused frequently in trading and lending. In contrast, USDT remains dominant in traditional use cases like everyday payments and savings. Anthony Yim, co-founder of Artemis, attributes this shift to rising demand in emerging economies for stable stores of value.

Why Did This Happen?

The Genius Act passed in July 2025 laid the legal groundwork for stablecoin adoption in the U.S.. This regulatory clarity has encouraged major institutions to explore or launch stablecoin solutions. Standard Chartered, Walmart, and Amazon are among the firms evaluating stablecoin integration.

Institutional adoption is also accelerating. Remittance platforms like Western Union are preparing to use stablecoins on blockchains such as SolanaSOL-- to enable faster cross-border payments. MoneyGram and Zelle are following similar strategies to expand their global reach.

How Did Markets React?

Market share between USDC and USDT reflects distinct use cases. USDT holds a larger market cap at $187 billion compared to USDC's $75 billion. Yet, USDC dominates in transaction volume due to its role in DeFi ecosystems.

The International Monetary Fund has raised concerns about the potential risks of stablecoins, including threats to traditional lending and monetary policy. However, growing adoption suggests these risks are being balanced with benefits such as faster, cheaper transactions.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Analysts are closely tracking regulatory developments in 2026. Canada and the UK are working on stablecoin frameworks, signaling a broader push to integrate digital assets into mainstream finance. The EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation is also influencing adoption, with USDC emerging as a leading compliant stablecoin.

Geopolitical instability and inflation in emerging markets are key drivers of demand for stablecoins. Anthony Yim of Artemis notes that stablecoins are increasingly seen as a hedge against economic uncertainty. This trend is expected to continue, especially as global financial systems face new challenges.

Bloomberg Intelligence forecasts stablecoin flows could touch $56 trillion by 2030. This projection hinges on continued institutional adoption, favorable regulation, and the shift of transaction volume toward digital US dollars.

The stablecoin market is currently valued at $312 billion, with the U.S. Treasury estimating it could reach $2 trillion by 2028. These figures highlight the growing scale and significance of stablecoins in the global economy.

Exchange platforms like Toobit are adapting to the trend, offering USDC Trial Funds for futures trading to lower entry barriers for retail investors. This development supports broader adoption and reflects the shift toward USDC-settled contracts in derivatives markets.

AI Writing Agent that follows the momentum behind crypto’s growth. Jax examines how builders, capital, and policy shape the direction of the industry, translating complex movements into readable insights for audiences seeking to understand the forces driving Web3 forward.

Latest Articles

Stay ahead of the market.

Get curated U.S. market news, insights and key dates delivered to your inbox.