Stablecoin cross-border flows surge 78%, defying crypto bear market
Chainalysis reports that cross-border stablecoin use surged 77.5% to $220.3 billion in the 12 months to June 2026, even as total crypto market value fell 37% to $2.1 trillion. The growth suggests stablecoins are being used more for payments than speculation, with average transfers around $3,000 and activity described as steady business-like flow. Adoption is being reinforced by clearer regulation, including the US GENIUS Act, EU MiCA rules, and Hong Kong’s licensing regime. Demand varies by region: in Asia, stablecoins help with fragmented currencies and settlement; in Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East, they support dollar access, remittances, and inflation or capital-control protection. New cross-border corridors expanded sharply, though most value still moves through a small share of routes. Traditional remittance firms like Western Union and MoneyGram are also adding stablecoin products.
