Stablecoin Infrastructure's Next Big Bet: Rain's Explosive Growth and Strategic Positioning

The global financial system is on the cusp of a seismic shift. Legacy payment systems-SWIFT, ACH, and their ilk-have long dominated cross-border transactions, but their inefficiencies (delays, high fees, and operational limitations) are increasingly untenable in a digital-first world. Enter Rain, a stablecoin infrastructure platform that is redefining the rules of the game. With a $1.95 billion valuation, a 38x surge in annualized payment volume to $3 billion, and a strategic partnership with Visa, Rain is not just a contender-it's a catalyst for the next era of global finance.

The Numbers Tell the Story

Rain's 2025 growth metrics are nothing short of explosive. The platform's total stablecoin market capitalization surpassed $300 billion, driven by a $100 billion increase in a single year. This growth is underpinned by Rain's infrastructure, which has seen active card usage rise 30x and payment volume grow 38x. These figures are not just impressive-they're indicative of a network effect taking hold. By integrating stablecoins into existing financial systems, Rain enables businesses and consumers to transact on a "global digital dollar rail", bypassing the friction of traditional systems.

The Series C funding round, led by ICONIQ Capital and raising $250 million, further validates Rain's trajectory. At a $1.95 billion valuation, the company is now positioned to accelerate its global expansion, a critical step in scaling the infrastructure required to support a world where stablecoins settle transactions in real time.

Disrupting Legacy Systems, One Settlement at a Time

Rain's strategic positioning is rooted in its ability to address the shortcomings of legacy payment systems. Traditional networks like SWIFT and ACH are plagued by delays, high costs, and operational constraints (e.g., bank holidays halting transactions). Rain's collaboration with Visa, however, introduces 24/7 settlements powered by stablecoins, a feature that could democratize access to real-time global payments.

Consider the implications: A merchant in Brazil can now receive instant settlement for a sale to a customer in Japan, without waiting for intermediary banks to clear the transaction. This is not a hypothetical-it's a reality Rain is building today. By embedding stablecoins into the rails of existing systems, Rain is creating a hybrid model that leverages the best of both worlds: the ubiquity of traditional infrastructure and the speed of onchain settlements.

The Inevitability of Onchain Rails

The shift from legacy systems to onchain rails is not a question of if but when. Central banks and regulators are increasingly recognizing the need for faster, cheaper, and more transparent payment systems. Rain's infrastructure aligns perfectly with this vision. By abstracting the complexity of stablecoin technology, Rain makes it accessible to enterprises and consumers alike, accelerating adoption without requiring a complete overhaul of existing systems.

Moreover, Rain's focus on global scalability positions it to capitalize on emerging markets, where underbanked populations and high cross-border transaction costs create fertile ground for disruption. The platform's ability to operate seamlessly across jurisdictions-without relying on intermediaries-gives it a first-mover advantage in regions where legacy systems are either too slow or too expensive.

Conclusion: A Must-Watch in 2026

Rain's explosive growth, strategic partnerships, and infrastructure-first approach make it a must-watch player in the transition from legacy payment systems to onchain rails. With a $1.95 billion valuation, a 38x increase in payment volume, and a roadmap that includes Visa-powered 24/7 settlements, the company is not just adapting to the future of finance-it's building it. For investors, the question is no longer whether stablecoins will reshape payments, but whether they're positioned to benefit from the companies leading the charge. Rain, with its unparalleled execution and vision, is one such company.