The rise of stablecoins: 5 trends to watch

In its recent annual “State of Crypto” report, venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz said stablecoins have been gaining widespread adoption due to cost reductions in executing crypto transactions.

Stablecoins offer a level of stability not typically seen in other cryptocurrencies, making them more appealing for everyday transactions and as a store of value. This reliability has driven increased usage across various sectors, from remittances and e-commerce to decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, further boosting overall activity in the crypto ecosystem.

Under the leadership of Gary Gensler, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said that stablecoins fall under its jurisdiction and should be registered as securities. The financial watchdog sued many stablecoin issuers, saying they violated laws designed to protect investors.

With Gensler’s resignation on Jan. 20 and the shifting dynamics under Donald Trump’s presidency, there are widespread speculations that stablecoins may receive regulatory support from the SEC and soon be free from legal challenges.

USDT, the largest stablecoin, is the world’s most traded cryptocurrency, often exceeding the combined trading volumes of Bitcoin and Ether. According to Andreessen Horowitz’s report, stablecoins account for a third of crypto user activity. Moreover, Tether accounts for over 50% of the daily trading volume of Bitcoin and up to 70% of some other major cryptocurrencies.

Tether is currently the third-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, with a market cap of $139 billion. Circle’s USD Coin is the eighth-largest cryptocurrency with a market cap of $52 billion, according to crypto tracking website CoinMarketCap.

Early crypto exchanges lacked direct access to U.S. dollars or other fiat currencies, making stablecoins essential as fiat equivalents. Their price stability made them the preferred tool for traders on non-fiat exchanges to enter and exit trades.

Payment giants like PayPal and Visa (V) have embraced stablecoins for cross-border payments, as they offer a seamless way to convert fiat into crypto. As a result, stablecoins are becoming a vital part of the global financial system, combining the stability of traditional assets with blockchain technology.

Stablecoins are gaining popularity as a hedge against inflation, particularly in regions facing economic instability. By pegging their value to assets like the U.S. dollar, stablecoins help individuals and businesses preserve purchasing power and shield their assets from the volatility of local currencies.

In countries like Argentina, where hyperinflation is a major concern, stablecoins have become a safe haven. They allow people to protect their savings from the devaluation of the Argentine peso (ARS). Argentina leads Latin America in crypto adoption, surpassing Brazil in crypto inflows despite Brazil’s larger economy. Over the past two years, stablecoin usage in Argentina has surged, now making up 62% of all crypto transactions.