Stablecoins may be on the cusp of breaking into mainstream finance, with more than half of global corporations planning to adopt them within the next year, according to a new survey from EY-Parthenon, a consultancy.
The study surveyed 350 executives, 250 from corporate environments and and 100 from financial institutions. While just 13% of firms currently use stablecoins, 54% of non-users expect to begin transactions in the next six to 12 months. The anticipated payoff is clear: lower costs and faster settlement in cross-border payments, which has long been one of the most expensive and inefficient areas of corporate finance.
(Key highlights from EY-Parthenon stablecoins survey)
Corporate users
Among the corporations that have already integrated stablecoins, 41% reported cost savings of 10% or more. Notable use cases include supplier payments, treasury management and accepting international business payments. “Many organizations are eager to use stablecoins for cross border payments,” the report said, with 77% of future-adopters aiming to use stablecoins to pay overseas vendors.
“Beyond operational efficiencies, 87% of corporate respondents believe stablecoin adoption can deliver a competitive edge,” the authors wrote.
TradFi opportunities
Financial institutions see opportunity too. Most banks surveyed are preparing to offer stablecoin services, ranging from wallet infrastructure to on-/off-ramps, but they expect to rely on hybrid or partnership models rather than build capabilities entirely in-house.
By 2030, respondents project stablecoins could represent 5% to 10% of global payments, which would equal $2.1 trillion to $4.2 trillion in transaction value.
Regulatory obstacles
The biggest obstacle to adoption remains regulation. “Sixty-eight percent of users noted that clear and supportive regulation would significantly increase their interest vs. 11% of non-users,” EY writes. However, the recently passed GENIUS Act has already spurred interest, with some respondents calling it a turning point.
Amidst the future-oriented stablecoin optimism, EY points out that a healthy, collaborative ecosystem is needed. “Corporates, banks, FinTechs, and regulators” will all be needed, the firm wrote in a blog posted alongside the survey. It notes that stablecoins “are no longer fringe instruments — they are recognized financial tools… stablecoins offer a gateway to the next phase of global commerce.”
