Fireblocks: 90% of Financial Institutions Bet on Stablecoins

The vast majority of financial institutions are already using or planning to integrate stablecoins into their operations. According to a report by digital asset platform Fireblocks, exactly 90% of organizations surveyed are actively working with these tools or preparing to integrate them. The study surveyed 295 executives from traditional banks, financial institutions, fintech companies, and payment gateways. Nearly half of respondents (49%) are already using stablecoins to make payments, 23% are pilot testing, and 18% are in the planning stages. Only one in ten survey participants has not yet decided on an implementation. ”The stablecoin race has become a matter of avoiding obsolescence as customer demand accelerates and use cases mature,” the Fireblocks report notes. Banks Are Betting on Cross-Border Payments Traditional cross-border systems suffer from high costs, delays, and other inefficiencies. In this context, stablecoins are becoming a strategic solution, especially in the business environment of emerging markets. According to the report, financial institutions, especially traditional banks, are prioritizing cross-border payments as a key area for the use of stablecoins. Banks are using these tools to gain a competitive advantage, reduce friction, and meet customer expectations. The study found that 58% of traditional banks use stablecoins for cross-border payments, while 28% accept payments with them. To optimize liquidity, 12% of banks use these instruments, 9% use them for merchant payments, and another 9% use them for B2B invoicing. Fireblocks notes that banks see stablecoins as a ”path to modernization.” Because these assets are tied to fiat currencies, they are easier to integrate into existing treasury processes. In addition, stablecoins provide an opportunity to regain market share from fintech companies and reduce capital lock-in. Speed Is the Main Advantage of Stablecoins Survey results show that banks are using stablecoins to rebuild cross-border transaction volumes while maintaining existing infrastructure. Fintech companies and payment gateways are using digital assets to increase margins and revenues. Among the benefits mentioned by survey participants, the most common was faster settlement, noted by 48% of respondents. Other benefits include greater transparency, improved liquidity management, integrated payment flows, enhanced security, and lower transaction costs. According to Ran Goldi, senior vice president of payments and network at Fireblocks, the adoption of stablecoins has moved beyond simple cost savings and is now seen as a strategic growth driver. ”Our research shows that 90% of companies are moving forward with the adoption of stablecoins because they see it as a key lever for growth,” Goldi reported. The executive said the main motivators are entering new markets, responding to direct customer demand, and opening up new revenue opportunities. ”Stablecoins have become an engine of business innovation, not just a tool to increase efficiency,” he added. Fireblocks’ massive survey demonstrates that stablecoins have evolved from a niche financial instrument to a strategic solution for traditional institutions. The survey results clearly show that the financial sector is actively transforming, mastering digital technologies to improve efficiency and competitiveness. Regulatory Landscape Shapes Stablecoin Adoption As stablecoins become more widely used by financial institutions, the regulatory environment is playing an increasingly significant role in shaping adoption strategies. Around the world, governments and financial regulators are working to establish clear guidelines for the issuance, management, and use of stablecoins. The aim is to ensure consumer protection, prevent illicit activities, and maintain financial system stability. Many executives surveyed by Fireblocks cited regulatory clarity as a key factor influencing their decision to adopt stablecoins. In regions where comprehensive regulations are in place or forthcoming, institutions report greater confidence in integrating these digital assets into their operations. Conversely, uncertainty or restrictive policies can slow down innovation and delay implementation. For example, the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, set to come into effect in 2025, is expected to provide a robust framework for stablecoin issuers and users. In the United States, ongoing discussions around stablecoin legislation are closely watched by banks and fintech companies alike. Industry experts agree that collaboration between regulators and the private sector will be essential to unlocking the full potential of stablecoins. By establishing transparent rules and fostering innovation, regulators can help financial institutions leverage stablecoins to drive efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and support the digital transformation of the global financial system.