Study: $300 billion in stablecoins integrated into real economy, payroll use rises
Stablecoins are increasingly being used not only for trading but also as “everyday money.” People receive salaries in them, store part of their savings, and pay for services — especially in countries with unstable currencies.
This is according to The Stablecoin Utility Report 2026 by BVNK in partnership with Coinbase and Artemis. The YouGov survey covered 4,658 respondents across 15 countries. Researchers estimate that out of the roughly $300 billion total stablecoin market capitalization, a significant share is already circulating in the real economy through payments, payroll, and savings.
Stablecoins as a new savings tool
54% of surveyed crypto users said they had held stablecoins over the past 12 months. 56% plan to increase their holdings in the coming year. Among those who do not yet own stablecoins, 13% intend to buy them for the first time.Half of current holders increased their balances over the past year. On average, users keep about one-third of their total savings in cryptocurrencies and stablecoins combined. This signals a shift in mindset: digital assets are no longer viewed solely as speculative instruments but are becoming part of broader financial strategies.
Adoption rates were highest in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Africa. These regions also showed the strongest intention to increase stablecoin allocations. The reason is simple — in countries with volatile national currencies or inefficient cross-border payment systems, dollar-backed tokens offer a more convenient alternative.
Payroll and cross-border payments
Around 35% of annual income earned by freelancers and sellers surveyed is now paid in stablecoins. Nearly three-quarters said this has made it easier to work with international clients.Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies pegged to fiat currencies, most commonly the U.S. dollar at a 1:1 ratio. The largest issuers include USDT and USDC. Their combined circulating supply stands at approximately $300 billion.
The growing role of stablecoins
If users are holding one-third of their savings in digital dollars, this suggests a gradual shift away from traditional bank deposits. Standard Chartered previously estimated that up to $1 trillion from emerging markets could eventually move into U.S. dollar-backed stablecoins.For users, the appeal is largely about accessibility. Opening a crypto wallet is often easier than setting up a foreign currency bank account, and transfers take minutes instead of days. At the same time, regulatory scrutiny is increasing as governments assess how digital dollars may affect monetary policy and capital controls.
If the trend continues, stablecoins could serve as a bridge between traditional finance and the crypto market — gradually evolving into a global digital equivalent of cash dollars.
Previously, we wrote about how to make money on stablecoins.
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