Visa and Mastercard Downplay Stablecoin Threat as Adoption Grows

• Visa and Mastercard’s $15 trillion transaction volume overshadows stablecoin’s $10.8 trillion in 2023.
• U.S. GENIUS Act and Circle’s $40 billion valuation signal growing stablecoin momentum.
• Stablecoins thrive in unstable economies, aligning with 70% of global remittance flows.

As of August 2025, financial giants Visa and Mastercard have reaffirmed their dominance in the payments market, brushing off stablecoins as negligible competitors.

In their latest earnings calls, both companies highlighted that stablecoin usage remains a fraction of their combined $15 trillion annual transaction volume. This stance aligns with data from Coinbase, which reported $10.8 trillion in stablecoin transactions in 2023, a figure dwarfed by the card networks’ scale. The executives emphasized that stablecoins are better suited for markets with unstable fiat currencies, a point supported by a 2023 World Bank study showing 70% of global remittance flows occur in such regions.

Despite this dismissal, the stablecoin sector is gaining traction. The U.S. passed landmark legislation in mid-2025, including the GENIUS Act, to regulate payment stablecoins, signaling a maturing ecosystem. A Reuters report from July 31, 2025, noted Circle’s valuation soaring to $40 billion, reflecting growing investor confidence. This regulatory clarity could accelerate adoption, particularly in decentralized finance (DeFi), where stablecoins like Dai account for $56 billion in usage, according to CoinLaw. Such developments challenge Visa and Mastercard’s long-term complacency.

Stablecoins offer advantages in cross-border payments and wealth preservation, especially in emerging markets. Their ability to reduce transaction costs and times, as outlined in a Cornell SC Johnson analysis, could disrupt traditional systems if adoption scales. However, Visa and Mastercard’s robust infrastructure and consumer trust remain formidable barriers. The card giants also cited an uncertain global economic environment, with geopolitical tensions impacting sentiment, yet their solid fundamentals suggest resilience.

As the digital asset landscape evolves, the interplay between stablecoins and traditional payments will be critical. While current usage is minor, regulatory support and market interest could shift the balance. For now, Visa and Mastercard appear secure, but the stablecoin narrative is far from over.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. CoinCryptoNewz is not responsible for any losses incurred. Readers should do their own research before making financial decisions.