Bank Revises Stablecoin Market Peak Timeline to 2030
Standard Chartered now expects the stablecoin market to reach $2 trillion in 2030, two years later than its previous estimate. The market's total value stalled near $309 billion in 2026 even as transaction activity kept rising. The report outlines four stablecoin use cases and notes that competition is likely to be strongest in developed-market payments.
Standard Chartered delayed its $2 trillion stablecoin market-cap forecast to 2030 from 2028. In 2026, total value plateaued near $309 billion even as transaction activity rose, suggesting existing coins circulate more often while new issuance slows.
The report identifies four use cases: emerging-market savings, developed-market payments, crypto trading, and AI-agent transactions. USDt leads emerging-market savings; USDC leads developed-market payments and AI-agent activity; USDC and USDe are used in trading. Competition may be strongest in developed-market payments, involving USDG, M^0, and bank-backed networks.
If stablecoin growth reaches $2 trillion by 2030, consumers and businesses in developed markets may gain faster payment options, while emerging-market savers could face both alternatives and risks. Banks, payment firms, and issuers may compete over fees and reserve income. Regulatory and accounting clarity could shape adoption, affecting access, consumer protections, and corporate balance-sheet treatment.