Stablecoin Trading Volume Surges 154% in 2025 Driven by EU Regulations

Stablecoin trading volume surged by 154% in the first half of 2025, marking a significant shift in institutional trading patterns. This growth is part of a broader trend where stablecoins now dominate over-the-counter (OTC) crypto trading, accounting for 74.6% of all institutional spot deals in the first half of 2025, up from 46% a year earlier. This surge in stablecoin trading volume is indicative of the increasing reliance on stablecoins as a means of facilitating large-scale transactions and hedging against market volatility.

The overall OTC spot trading volume also saw a substantial increase, rising by 112.6% year-on-year. This growth can be attributed to the rising interest in digital assets among institutional investors, who are increasingly looking to stablecoins as a reliable medium of exchange. The surge in stablecoin trading volume is a testament to the growing acceptance and integration of stablecoins into the mainstream financial system. As more institutions adopt stablecoins for their transactions, the demand for these digital assets is likely to continue to rise, further solidifying their position in the crypto market.

USDC, in particular, has seen a notable 29-fold increase in trading volume, largely driven by new EU regulations under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework. These regulations have positioned USDC as a preferred asset for institutional traders, contributing to its significant growth. The MiCA regulations have played a pivotal role in this shift, as they provide a clear regulatory framework that enhances the stability and reliability of stablecoins. This regulatory support has encouraged more institutional investors to incorporate stablecoins into their trading strategies, further boosting their usage.

The rise of stablecoins reflects an evolving crypto market landscape, where regulatory changes are driving increased adoption and usage. The comprehensive report highlighted a significant boost in trading pairs liquidity by 277.4%. This increased liquidity is crucial for facilitating large-scale transactions and ensuring market stability. The report points to the MiCA regulations as a key factor for this change, positioning USDC as a preferred asset. Market figures such as Konstantin Shulga, CEO of Finery Markets, emphasized the importance of robust crypto adoption. Shulga remarked, "This quarter’s performance underscores the accelerating adoption of crypto assets and Finery Markets’ pivotal role in providing robust trading solutions." Industry leaders acknowledge Finery Markets' instrumental role, as their infrastructure supports this trend.

Institutional traders are increasingly turning to stablecoins, as evidenced by a 154% rise in trading volume. The comprehensive report highlighted a significant boost in trading pairs liquidity by 277.4%. The report points to the MiCA regulations as a key factor for this change, positioning USDC as a preferred asset. The rise of stablecoins, driven by regulatory changes, reflects an evolving crypto market landscape. These developments highlight the increased focus on stablecoin usage in institutional trades, influenced by EU regulations under MiCA.