The landscape of digital finance is rapidly evolving, with stablecoins and tokenized real-world assets emerging as pivotal forces shaping global economic interactions. Recent insights highlight a significant surge in their adoption and impact, signaling a growing integration of blockchain technology into everyday business operations and traditional financial systems. This transformation is driven by the clear benefits these digital tools offer in terms of efficiency, accessibility, and cost reduction across various sectors.
Stablecoin Adoption Reaches New Heights
A comprehensive analysis reveals that the number of individuals holding stablecoins has soared to an impressive 161 million users globally. This widespread adoption underscores the increasing trust and utility found in these digital currencies, which are designed to maintain a stable value, typically pegged to fiat money like the US dollar.
The utility of stablecoins is further demonstrated by their escalating settlement volumes. In December 2024, stablecoin settlements reached a peak of $719 billion, followed by a substantial $717.1 billion in April 2025. These figures are remarkably close to the transaction volumes managed by major global payment networks such as Visa. The total issuance of stablecoins also reached $247 billion by May 2025, representing nearly 10% of the entire US dollar circulation. Furthermore, the capitalization of USDC, a leading stablecoin, hit a record $62 billion, while the combined holdings of US government bonds by Circle and Tether now surpass those of several major economies, including Germany.
Businesses are increasingly leveraging stablecoins to overcome traditional financial hurdles. Key advantages include significantly reduced transaction costs, accelerated international payments, and improved access to financial services, especially for entities without traditional banking relationships. A survey of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) indicated that 58% experienced lower international settlement costs due to regulated stablecoins, with an overwhelming 89% recognizing the benefits of their use.
Surge in Real-World Asset Tokenization
Alongside stablecoins, the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA) is experiencing an exponential rise. In April 2025, the value of tokenized assets reached $21 billion, marking an astonishing 245-fold increase from the previous year. This growth signifies a strong market appetite for bringing tangible assets, from commodities to government bonds, onto blockchain networks, enhancing their liquidity and accessibility.
The RWA sector is predominantly composed of private credit, accounting for 61% of the total, followed by government bonds at 30%, and commodity assets at 7%. Platforms such as Figure, BUIDL, and BENJI are at the forefront of this movement, attracting billions in investments and facilitating the seamless transfer of these tokenized assets.
Crypto’s Growing Role for Small Businesses and Regulatory Outlook
The adoption of cryptocurrencies by small businesses has dramatically expanded, with the percentage of SMBs utilizing digital assets doubling from 17% in 2024 to 34% in 2025. This increase is mirrored in the number of businesses using stablecoins or accepting crypto payments. A significant majority, 82% of SMBs, report that cryptocurrencies help address at least one financial challenge, and 57% acknowledge direct cost savings.
Despite this promising growth, regulatory uncertainty remains a significant barrier. A substantial 72% of small businesses indicate they would further embrace cryptocurrencies if clearer market regulations were established. This sentiment is echoed by corporate leaders, with nine out of ten Fortune 500 executives advocating for well-defined regulatory frameworks to foster continued innovation in the digital asset space. In response, 38 U.S. states are actively developing over 130 legislative proposals concerning cryptocurrencies. Notably, the U.S. Senate is scheduled to vote on the “Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins” (GENIUS Act) on June 11, 2025, a critical step towards establishing a more predictable regulatory environment for stablecoins.
Senior Crypto Correspondent with over 8 years of experience covering Bitcoin, altcoins, and blockchain technology for leading financial publications. Alexander holds a master’s degree in Financial Economics and specializes in in-depth market analysis, regulatory updates, and interviews with top industry figures.