The stablecoin market is rapidly evolving and could soon fundamentally change global payment systems. According to estimates from the analytics firm Chainalysis, the volume of economic transactions using stablecoins could grow from $28 trillion in 2025 to $719 trillion by 2035. Considering macroeconomic factors, this figure could reach $1.5 quadrillion, ushering in a new era in financial technology.
This is reported by Business • Media
Stablecoins: From Niche Product to Foundation of Digital Payments
A significant transformation is occurring not only in volume but also in the functionality of stablecoins. They are transitioning from specialized financial instruments to the backbone of modern payment infrastructure. Unlike traditional payment systems that rely on intermediaries and have multi-day delays, stablecoins:
- provide 24/7 availability;
- allow transactions to be completed in seconds;
- enable cross-border transfers without the involvement of banks;
- are used as “programmable money” in digital ecosystems.
These advantages are setting a new standard for speed, cost, and flexibility for users and businesses.
Transfer of $100 Trillion: Generational Shift as a Market Driver
One of the key drivers of exponential growth will be the largest capital redistribution in world history. Between 2028 and 2048, it is expected that up to $100 trillion will transfer from baby boomers to millennials and Gen Z—generations that are actively integrating crypto assets into their financial lives. Already, nearly half of individuals in these age groups have experience with cryptocurrencies, increasing the likelihood that stablecoins will become a standard payment method in everyday life.
“It is expected that between 2028 and 2048, up to $100 trillion will transfer from the baby boomer generation to millennials and Generation Z (Gen Z)—groups that are significantly more active in using cryptocurrencies.”
This trend could add over $500 trillion to the annual transaction volume of stablecoins by 2035. Traditional banks and financial institutions risk losing part of their customer base and capital.
Mass Adoption in Retail Payments and Challenges for Traditional Systems
Another factor changing the landscape is the widespread adoption of stablecoins in retail (POS) payments. While today paying with cryptocurrency remains a conscious choice for users, this option could soon become standard. The line between “using crypto assets” and “making payments” is gradually disappearing. Forecasts suggest that the transaction volume in stablecoins could match that of Visa and Mastercard by 2031–2039 or even earlier due to the rapid growth of payment networks.
The market is already showing signs of this transformation, particularly through major deals such as Stripe’s acquisition of Bridge and Mastercard’s partnerships with crypto companies. On-chain payments are also developing rapidly. Leaders of major banks, including JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, acknowledge the unprecedented competition posed by stablecoins and blockchain, prompting them to adapt their business models.
Analysts also note that the velocity of stablecoins is increasing faster than anticipated, particularly due to their use in transactions involving artificial intelligence. By the first quarter of 2026, the supply of stablecoins had already reached $315 billion.
Despite the rapid growth, regulators show no signs of panic. Representatives from the White House emphasized that banks’ concerns about potential liquidity outflows due to stablecoins are “greatly exaggerated.”