Citi: Blockchain’s ‘ChatGPT moment’ will drive stablecoins to $4tn by 2030

Core Insights - Stablecoins are projected to become a significant force in global finance, with Citibank forecasting issuance could reach $4 trillion by 2030, up from an earlier estimate of $3.7 trillion [1] - The rapid adoption of stablecoins is likened to blockchain's "ChatGPT moment," indicating a shift towards mainstream acceptance [1] - Analysts from Citibank believe stablecoins will facilitate up to $200 trillion in annual transactions, as the sector approaches a $300 billion market cap [2] Industry Growth - The stablecoin payment sector has seen exponential growth, with monthly business-to-business stablecoin payments increasing from under $100 million in 2022 to over $3 billion today [3] - The signing of the Genuis Act by former President Donald Trump has been viewed as a catalyst for corporate engagement in the stablecoin space, shifting its perception from fringe to urgent [4] Investment Landscape - Stablecoin startups have raised $537 million in 2025, a fivefold increase compared to 2024, indicating strong investor interest [5] - Circle, the issuer of USDC, raised $1 billion during its public offering, maintaining a market cap of $36 billion despite reporting a $482 million loss in Q2 [5] - Tether, the largest stablecoin operator, is reportedly negotiating to raise $20 billion at a valuation of $500 billion, positioning it alongside major tech companies [6] Market Dynamics - Citibank anticipates a diverse ecosystem of stablecoin issuers and on-chain dollars, rather than a winner-takes-all scenario between dollar-pegged tokens and traditional bank money [6] - The demand for dollar-linked assets is expected to generate additional demand for US Treasuries [6] - Previous predictions from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggest stablecoins could evolve into a $2 trillion market in the coming years [7]