Stablecoins are transforming their role: from speculation to real transactions

ZkProofPudding · 2026-01-13T08:43:04+00:00

The institutional adoption of stablecoins is transforming their use, focusing on real financial applications. Tether and USD Coin dominate the market, while institutions are restructuring international transfers and corporate payments. Exponential growth is expected by 2028.

ZkProofPudding

2026-01-13 08:43:04

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Institutional adoption is redefining the stablecoin landscape, moving away from its initial speculative use towards concrete applications in global financial operations. By December 2025, the total market capitalization of stablecoins reached $310 billion, reflecting a 70% annual growth rate that shows no signs of slowing down.

Tether and USDC Consolidate Their Market Hegemony

Two stablecoins account for approximately 80% of all activity: Tether (USDT) remains the most used, while USD Coin (USDC) continues expanding its presence with an current circulation of $74.31 billion. This concentration reflects institutional trust in these established protocols, although it also raises questions about ecosystem diversification.

Structural Shift: Cross-Border Settlements and Corporate Payments

The most significant aspect is not just volume, but how financial institutions are rethinking the use of stablecoins. It is no longer solely about short-term speculation but about practical solutions for international transfers and corporate payments. This shift demonstrates market maturity and the growing demand for efficiency in global capital movements.

Outlook Towards 2028: An Exponentially Expanding Market

If major financial institutions continue integrating these stablecoins into their systems, analysts project that total supply could reach up to $2 trillion by 2028. This projection suggests we are only in the early stages of a deeper transformation in how international payments are structured and executed.

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