Stablecoin adoption surges: 42% of firms already using them for cross-border payments, survey shows

A new survey from payment infrastructure firm Cybrid reveals that corporate adoption of stablecoins has moved beyond early experimentation into mainstream usage. According to the report, 42% of companies surveyed already use stablecoins for overseas payments, with 88% of all respondents indicating they are likely or very likely to adopt the technology within the next 12 months.

Cost savings drive adoption

The survey, which polled 468 executives and corporate leaders, found that companies currently using stablecoins experienced an average 35% reduction in global payment costs. For firms with monthly payment volumes exceeding $100 million, the savings were even more pronounced, averaging 47%.

These figures underscore a growing recognition that stablecoins—cryptocurrencies pegged to a stable asset like the US dollar—offer a compelling alternative to traditional cross-border payment systems, which often involve multiple intermediaries, high fees, and settlement delays of several days.

Implications for global finance

The survey results come at a time when stablecoin market capitalization has been expanding rapidly, with major issuers like Tether (USDT) and Circle (USDC) reporting record supply levels. Regulatory clarity in several jurisdictions, including the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, has also helped legitimize stablecoins for corporate use.

Industry observers note that the shift toward stablecoins could pressure traditional payment networks—such as SWIFT and correspondent banking systems—to innovate or risk losing market share. For multinational corporations, the ability to settle transactions in near real-time at a fraction of the cost represents a significant operational advantage.

What this means for businesses

For companies evaluating payment infrastructure, the Cybrid survey provides concrete evidence that stablecoin adoption is no longer speculative. The high likelihood of adoption among non-users suggests that stablecoins are poised to become a standard tool for international treasury management. However, businesses must also consider factors such as counterparty risk, regulatory compliance, and integration with existing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

Conclusion

The Cybrid survey offers a clear snapshot of a rapidly evolving landscape: stablecoins are no longer a niche instrument but a mainstream corporate payment solution delivering measurable cost savings. With nearly nine in ten companies planning to adopt them within a year, the momentum behind stablecoin-based payments appears likely to accelerate, reshaping how global commerce moves money.

FAQs

Q1: What are stablecoins?
Stablecoins are a type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value by being pegged to a reserve asset, such as the US dollar or gold. Common examples include USDT (Tether) and USDC (USD Coin).

Q2: How do stablecoins reduce cross-border payment costs?
Stablecoins eliminate the need for multiple intermediary banks and currency conversions, allowing near-instant settlement on blockchain networks. This reduces transaction fees, foreign exchange spreads, and operational overhead.

Q3: Are there risks to using stablecoins for corporate payments?
Yes. Risks include regulatory uncertainty in some jurisdictions, potential counterparty risk if the stablecoin issuer fails to maintain adequate reserves, and technical risks related to blockchain network congestion or smart contract vulnerabilities.