Intro

Stablecoin payments: what the market numbers really show

Stablecoins have reached roughly $307 billion in market capitalization, while adjusted on-chain transaction volume runs into the trillions. Yet identifiable stablecoin payments remain far smaller. McKinsey and Artemis estimate around $390 billion in annualized payment activity based on December 2025 data, including about $226 billion in B2B payments. For businesses, the key question is where stablecoins improve a real payment flow.

About the research

What this research helps you decide

Stablecoins can support cross-border supplier payments, treasury movement, merchant settlement, payouts and digital-asset products. Their value depends on the complete transaction route, including conversion, liquidity, custody, compliance, accounting and redemption.

This research is designed to help US businesses decide where stablecoin payments can improve cost, settlement speed, working capital or market access, and where established payment methods already provide an efficient option.

What the report covers

The report separates stablecoin market activity from identifiable payment use, then examines the strongest business cases in the US and internationally. It looks at payment costs, settlement times, liquidity, treasury requirements, operational processes and the risks created by issuers, custodians, networks and counterparties.

It also explains the US regulatory environment following the GENIUS Act. The law was signed on July 18, 2025, while Treasury currently identifies January 18, 2027 as the expected effective date for its main issuance restrictions. Federal agencies are still completing key implementing rules in 2026.

What you’ll learn

Questions the research answers

The report helps readers assess:

Whether stablecoin payments fit their business

Which use cases deserve priority

How to calculate the full business case

What regulatory and operational responsibilities apply

What systems and controls are required, and whether those capabilities should be built internally or integrated from a specialist provider

Audience

Who should read it

The research is written for banks and financial institutions, fintech companies, PSPs and EMIs, CFOs and treasury teams.

It is especially applicable for organizations evaluating cross-border settlement, B2B payments, global payouts, stablecoin treasury flows, merchant acceptance or new digital-asset products.

What you will take away

You will leave with a clearer view of the US stablecoin market, a method for comparing stablecoins with existing payment methods, a checklist of financial, technical, regulatory and operational requirements, and a framework for deciding what to build, what to integrate and what to test first.

Use the report to assess where stablecoins fit your business and what needs to be in place before implementation.

Full report

Download “Stablecoin Payments in the US — A Business Decision Guide for 2026”

Use the report to assess where stablecoins fit your business and what needs to be in place before implementation.