Pay your employees in USDT, pay for your purchases without going through a traditional bank… What seemed exclusively reserved for DeFi a few years ago is becoming a measurable reality. A global report from BVNK, published in early 2026, paints a striking portrait of stablecoin adoption accelerating well beyond crypto circles.
In brief
- BVNK and YouGov surveyed 4,658 crypto users in 15 countries to measure the actual use of stablecoins.
- 39% of respondents already receive part of their income in stablecoins.
- 27% use them for everyday spending, attracted by lower fees and faster transfers.
- Africa has the highest adoption rate, with 79% owners among respondents.
Salaries in stablecoins, a reality for millions of workers
Behind this report is BVNK, a London-based fintech specializing in stablecoin payments. It commissioned YouGov to conduct this survey between September and October 2025. In total, 4,658 adults responded in 15 countries with very varied economic profiles.
Among the results, one figure stands out: 39% of respondents already receive income from stablecoins. Freelancers, employees of tech companies, cross-border workers… For all of these profiles, these assets represent on average 35% of their annual income. We are far from a marginal phenomenon.
The reasons for this choice are simple. Above all, users mention lower fees and faster transfers. Those sending money abroad save an average of 40% in fees compared to Western Union or SWIFT transfers. A concrete advantage, difficult to ignore.
Unsurprisingly, emerging markets are driving the bulk of this adoption. In low-income countries, 60% of respondents hold stablecoins, compared to 45% in rich countries. Africa has the highest rate with 79% of holders. In regions where banks remain inaccessible, stablecoins meet a concrete need.
A use that extends well beyond speculation
If holding cryptos often remains associated with speculation, the BVNK report paints a very different picture. In fact, 27% of respondents use stablecoins for their everyday payments, and more than half have already made a purchase precisely because a merchant accepted this payment method. In emerging markets, this proportion rises to 60%.
The appetite to go further is evident. 77% of those surveyed would open a stablecoin wallet with their bank or neobank if the functionality existed, and 71% say they would be willing to use a debit card linked to their stablecoins for everyday purchases. Traditional financial institutions are being urged to adapt, otherwise they risk being bypassed.
On the business side, the movement is already underway. Deel announced in February 2026 a partnership with MoonPay to pay salaries in stablecoins to British and European workers, before expanding to the United States. Paystand, for its part, acquired Bitwage to strengthen its cross-border digital asset settlement capabilities. B2B is following the same trajectory.
The regulatory framework supports this rise in power. The GENIUS Act in the United States and the MiCA regulation in Europe finally establish clear rules for stablecoin issuers, paving the way for integration into formal payroll systems that would have been considered premature two years ago.
In short, stablecoins are no longer a niche tool reserved for DeFi insiders. They become the monetary infrastructure of everyday life. With $307 billion in capitalization and $10,000 billion in volumes processed in January 2026, the question is no longer whether they will prevail. But how quickly.
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