Stablecoin Study Reveals Sagging Real-World Payment Levels

A report by McKinsey and Artemis Analytics reveals stablecoins processed over $35 trillion on the blockchain last year, yet real-world payments comprised just 1%, or $380 billion.

This finding highlights stablecoins’ limited real-world application, contributing only 0.02% to global payments, prompting questions about their practical utility in everyday transactions.

$35 Trillion Transferred: Only 1% for Real Payments

A McKinsey and Artemis Analytics report shows $35 trillion in stablecoin transfers with just 1% for real-world payments. The report underscores the limited utility of stablecoins in actual commerce, raising questions about their role in the financial ecosystem. Regulatory uncertainty is cited as a barrier, alongside stablecoins’ limited penetration in everyday transactions including supplier payments and remittances. Industry insiders have noted an absence of significant statements from key figures regarding future strategies to enhance stablecoin practical utility.

Tether USDt (USDT) is priced at $0.99 with a market cap of $186.61 billion as of January 24, 2026, according to CoinMarketCap. The 24-hour trading volume is over $49.82 billion, reflecting a 44.42% decrease. USDT’s circulating supply stands at 186.90 billion.

suggests Coincu’s research which aligns with the view that increased regulatory clarity could spur stablecoin use in real-world payments. The analysis predicts that overcoming regulatory obstacles would expand tokenized cash applications.

Stablecoins’ Future Dependent on Regulatory Clarity

Did you know? Only 1% of stablecoins’ $35 trillion transfers are used for real-world payments, a stark contrast to their perceived potential and a tiny fraction of global transactions valued at over $20 trillion annually.

Tether USDt (USDT) is priced at $0.99 with a market cap of $186.61 billion as of January 24, 2026, according to CoinMarketCap. The 24-hour trading volume is over $49.82 billion, reflecting a 44.42% decrease. USDT’s circulating supply stands at 186.90 billion.

suggests Coincu’s research which aligns with the view that increased regulatory clarity could spur stablecoin use in real-world payments. The analysis predicts that overcoming regulatory obstacles would expand tokenized cash applications.