Stablecoin Transactions Soared 72% in 2025, Hit $33T With USDC in Lead

Core Insights - The total transaction value of global stablecoins reached $33 trillion in 2025, marking a 72% increase from the previous year, with USDC leading the market [1] - The passing of the GENIUS Act in July 2025 established a comprehensive regulatory framework for payment stablecoins in the U.S., contributing to the surge in stablecoin transactions [1][2] Transaction Insights - USDC processed $18.3 trillion in transactions, becoming the most-used stablecoin by transaction flow, while Tether's USDT recorded $13.3 trillion [1] - In Q4 2025, stablecoin transaction volumes hit $11 trillion, up from $8.8 trillion in Q3 [5] Market Predictions - Bloomberg Intelligence forecasts that stablecoin payment flows could reach $56 trillion by 2030, despite warnings from regulators about potential disruptions to traditional finance [5] User Preferences - DeFi traders prefer USDC for its utility in moving in and out of positions, while users in inflation-affected countries favor USD-pegged stablecoins for ease of access [3] - Tether is more commonly used for everyday payments and business transactions, with users typically holding its value rather than actively trading it [4] Regulatory Impact - The GENIUS Act has facilitated broader adoption of digital assets among major financial and tech institutions, with companies like Standard Chartered and Amazon exploring their own stablecoin offerings [6]