The digital economy is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and cryptocurrencies are emerging as a transformative force reshaping financial systems worldwide. In the United States, 52 million people already own some form of cryptocurrency, and a striking 87% believe the traditional financial system needs modernization. This shift isn’t limited to individuals—businesses are also embracing digital assets, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) showing a growing preference for stablecoins, adopted by 81% of them—a figure that has tripled since 2024.
These insights come from a comprehensive report by The Block Pro Research, commissioned for Coinbase, highlighting how deeply crypto is integrating into everyday financial activity across ideological, generational, and institutional lines.
👉 Discover how stablecoins are revolutionizing global payments and why businesses are switching today.
Broadening Adoption Across Demographics
Cryptocurrency ownership in the U.S. spans political affiliations and age groups, reflecting widespread appeal:
- 18 million Democrats
- 15 million Republicans
- 13 million Independents
All hold digital assets, demonstrating that crypto adoption transcends partisan divides. Moreover, 63% of respondents agree that the current financial system disproportionately benefits the wealthy and powerful—fueling demand for decentralized alternatives.
This growing distrust in legacy institutions coincides with rising institutional involvement. Over the past year, more than 1,000 financial institutions, including giants like BlackRock, Fidelity, and Franklin Templeton, have entered the crypto space—signaling long-term confidence in blockchain-based finance.
What Are Stablecoins?
At the heart of this transformation are stablecoins: digital currencies pegged to stable reserve assets such as the U.S. dollar or gold. According to Coinbase, stablecoins are designed to “reduce the volatility associated with unbacked cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.” Leading examples include USDC and USDT, often referred to collectively as "crypto dollars."
With 161 million Americans now owning stablecoins, their role in daily transactions is expanding rapidly. These digital assets offer a compelling alternative to traditional banking mechanisms by enabling:
- Near-instant cross-border remittances
- Lower transaction and payment processing fees
- Faster payroll settlements
- Inflation protection
- Financial inclusion for underbanked populations
Julian Colombo, CEO of Bitso Argentina, emphasizes:
“People and businesses are realizing they can do things faster and easier with stablecoins than with traditional financial tools.”
He also highlights that regulatory progress is playing a crucial role in accelerating adoption—especially in markets where clarity reduces risk and boosts investor confidence.
Record-Breaking Transaction Volumes
The utility of stablecoins is reflected in soaring transaction volumes. Organic transfer activity reached historic highs, with December 2024 recording a monthly volume of $719 billion**, closely followed by April 2025’s **$717.1 billion—the two largest monthly totals ever recorded.
For context, annual stablecoin transaction volume hit $27.6 billion in 2024, surpassing combined Visa and Mastercard volumes by over 7.68%. This milestone underscores a fundamental shift: blockchain-powered payments are no longer niche—they’re competitive with legacy payment rails.
Why Businesses Are Switching
For Fortune 500 executives, on-chain initiatives are becoming strategic priorities. Nearly one in five now views blockchain integration as essential to their company’s future—a 47% increase compared to 2024.
SMEs are equally invested. The 81% adoption rate among small businesses reflects their need for affordable, efficient financial tools—especially for managing transaction costs and cash flow challenges.
Colombo illustrates the difference:
“Sending $10,000 via SWIFT might cost $100 and take 72–96 hours. With stablecoins, it takes five minutes and just a few cents.”
This efficiency makes stablecoins ideal for portfolio dollarization, allowing businesses and individuals to preserve value in high-inflation environments while maintaining liquidity.
Regulatory Momentum: The Genius Act
While innovation drives adoption, regulation ensures sustainability. Recently, the U.S. Senate passed the Genius Act, a landmark bill focusing on stablecoin oversight. Key provisions require issuers to maintain full reserves of underlying assets—protecting users and promoting transparency.
David Sacks, White House AI and crypto advisor, hailed it as “historic legislation”, stating it brings regulatory clarity, strengthens consumer protection, and reinforces the U.S. dollar’s dominance in digital finance.
Support across party lines suggests growing consensus: well-crafted regulation can foster innovation without compromising security.
Latin America’s Crypto Surge—Led by Argentina
The trend extends beyond U.S. borders. In Latin America, Argentina led regional crypto adoption in 2024, ranking highest in active users and transaction volume, according to a February report by Lemon.
Key findings include:
- App downloads grew 93% year-over-year
- Stablecoin purchase volume increased by 44.4%
- Bitcoin purchases rose 126%
- Altcoin trading surged 158.5%
A Bitso study titled Crypto Landscape in Latin America confirms this trend: Argentine users favored USDT (50%) and USDC (22%), followed by Bitcoin (8%), Pepe (4%), XRP (3%), Ether (2%), and Solana (2%).
Hyperinflation—exceeding 100%—and capital controls made stablecoins a vital tool for wealth preservation. However, some investors also engaged in carry trades using high peso interest rates, temporarily boosting local currency demand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What makes stablecoins different from other cryptocurrencies?
A: Unlike volatile assets like Bitcoin, stablecoins are backed by reserves such as fiat currency or commodities, offering price stability while leveraging blockchain speed and accessibility.
Q: Are stablecoins safe to use?
A: Reputable stablecoins like USDC and USDT undergo regular audits and maintain full asset backing. Regulatory frameworks like the Genius Act further enhance user protections.
Q: Can individuals use stablecoins for everyday transactions?
A: Yes—many platforms allow peer-to-peer transfers, online purchases, and even salary payments using stablecoins, often with lower fees than banks.
Q: How do stablecoins help underbanked populations?
A: They provide access to global financial services via smartphones, bypassing traditional banking infrastructure—critical in regions with limited banking access.
Q: Is the U.S. dollar losing ground to crypto?
A: Quite the opposite—stablecoins extend the dollar’s reach by digitizing its value on global blockchains, reinforcing its status as the world’s reserve currency.
Q: Will more countries regulate stablecoins soon?
A: Yes—following the U.S., jurisdictions like the EU and UK are advancing similar frameworks to ensure financial stability while encouraging innovation.
👉 Stay ahead of global crypto trends and learn how stablecoins are shaping the future of money.