Major changes are underway in how money moves, with stablecoins taking on a bigger role in global payments. A preview report from Chainalysis, a blockchain data and analytics firm, points to a potential $1.5 quadrillion in transaction volume by 2035. That number sounds massive, yet current trends already show strong momentum.
Adjusted stablecoin activity reached $28 trillion in 2025, rising at a 133% annual rate since 2023. Even without major catalysts, projections still reach $719 trillion over the next decade. At the same time, blockchain settlement network Morph estimates total volume at $33 trillion, with market capitalization rising to $312 billion.
Business payments lead expansion
Much of this growth now comes from business use. B2B payments have expanded from under $100 million per month in 2023 to more than $6 billion by mid-2025, making up about 60% of real economic activity. Companies are not just experimenting anymore. Around 77% already use stablecoins for supplier payments, while 41% report cost savings of at least 10%.
Future demand could rise further as wealth moves across generations. Between 2028 and 2048, $80 to $100 trillion is expected to pass to Millennials and Gen Z, groups more familiar with digital assets. That transition alone could add over $500 trillion in annual volume.
Stablecoins close in on card networks
Payment infrastructure is also evolving. Stablecoins are being built into everyday transactions, with forecasts showing volumes potentially matching Visa and Mastercard by the 2030s. Some projections already point to volumes exceeding $50 trillion by 2026, driven by cross-border use.
Recent data reflects that momentum. Early 2026 figures show USD Coin overtook Tether in adjusted transaction volume, signaling a growing preference for regulated assets. Regulation remains a key factor, as policies like the GENIUS Act and proposed U.S. Treasury rules will shape how quickly adoption expands.
