“Stablecoin Utility Report 2026” by BVNK: More and more digital money is finding its way into the real economy

Digital currencies whose value is tied to stable references such as the US dollar, the euro, or commodities such as gold are increasingly being used not only for trading but also as “everyday money.” People receive their salaries in these stablecoins, invest part of their savings in them, and use them to pay for services. This is according to the “Stablecoin Utility Report 2026 (https://bvnk.com/utility)” by financial services provider BVNK (https://bvnk.com/). 4,658 people in 15 countries were surveyed.

Stablecoins are trending

According to estimates, a significant portion of the total market capitalization of stablecoins, equivalent to around $300 billion, is already circulating in the real economy through payments, payrolls, and savings. Fifty-four percent of crypto users surveyed say they have held stablecoins in the past twelve months. Fifty-six percent plan to increase their holdings in the coming year. Among those who do not yet own stablecoins, 13 percent want to buy them for the first time.

Half of current owners have increased their holdings in the past year. On average, users hold about one-third of their total savings in cryptocurrencies and stablecoins. This signals a change in mentality: digital assets are no longer seen solely as speculative instruments, but as part of broader financial strategies, the experts write in their latest report.

High acceptance in Africa

Acceptance is highest in low- and middle-income countries, especially in Africa. The reason: in countries with volatile local currencies or inefficient cross-border payment systems, dollar-based tokens offer a more convenient alternative. Thirty-five percent of the annual income of the freelancers and sellers surveyed is now paid out in stablecoins. Almost three-quarters say this makes it easier to work with international clients.

If users hold a third of their savings in stablecoins, this indicates a gradual shift away from traditional bank deposits. The London-based banking group Standard Chartered (https://www.sc.com/en/ ) estimates that up to one billion dollars from emerging markets could ultimately flow into stablecoins.

The appeal lies in accessibility

For users, the appeal lies primarily in accessibility. Opening a crypto wallet is often easier than setting up a foreign currency account, and transfers take only a few minutes. At the same time, regulatory scrutiny is increasing as some governments examine how stablecoins could affect monetary policy and capital controls.

If this trend continues, the study’s authors conclude, stablecoins could serve as a bridge between the traditional financial world and the crypto market, gradually evolving into a global digital equivalent of cash in dollars.