Stablecoin Volumes May Hit $1.5 Quadrillion by 2035: Chainalysis

Highlights:

• Chainalysis projects digital dollar transactions could reach $719 trillion by 2035 through organic growth.
• A $100 trillion wealth shift and merchant payment integration could expand transaction activity.
• Stripe and Mastercard investments show institutions are building infrastructure to support stablecoin adoption.

Stablecoin volume could reach $719 trillion by 2035 through organic growth and $1.5 quadrillion in a ceiling-case scenario, according to a report released on Wednesday by blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis. The report outlined projections based on current adoption trends and onchain transaction data across payment activity.

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STABLECOIN VOLUMES COULD HIT $1.5 QUADRILLION

Stablecoin transaction volumes could reach up to $1.5 quadrillion by 2035 and begin rivaling Visa and Mastercard between 2031 and 2039, according to Chainalysis. pic.twitter.com/XhJMrypHt4

— Crypto Town Hall (@Crypto_TownHall) April 9, 2026

Stablecoins processed about $28 trillion in real economic activity last year. Chainalysis removed trading noise to isolate payment, remittance, and settlement activity. The firm said stablecoin volume measures transaction frequency rather than total capital held. Chainalysis added that the same dollar can settle multiple transactions within a single day across payment systems.

Chainalysis also projected a ceiling-case scenario of $1.5 quadrillion by 2035. The firm said this estimate would exceed the current $1 trillion global cross-border payment volume. Global remittances reached $865 billion in 2023 and increased to $905 billion in 2024.

Chainalysis said the $719 trillion projection requires sustained growth through 2035. The firm said stablecoin volume has grown at a 133% annual rate since 2023. Chainalysis added that this growth rate must continue over the next decade to reach projected levels.

Wealth Transfer and Everyday Payment Use Could Accelerate Adoption

The blockchain analysis firm identified two catalysts that could expand stablecoin volume beyond baseline projections. The first catalyst is a large intergenerational wealth transfer. The firm said about $100 trillion could move from Baby Boomers to younger generations between 2028 and 2048. Chainalysis said Millennials and Gen Z show higher participation in crypto activity than older generations.

Survey data from OKX shows rising crypto adoption among younger users. Nearly half of Millennials and Gen Z have held or currently hold crypto assets. In addition, 40% of Gen Z and 36% of Millennials plan to increase crypto activity this year. Only 11% of Baby Boomers expect to increase their participation.

according to a survey by okx, gen z and millennials are 5x more trusting in crypto than in banks

is it over for tradfi banks? pic.twitter.com/2S3IiCalWk

— bigdreams (@the2xld) February 12, 2026

Chainalysis estimates this demographic shift could add about $508 trillion in annual stablecoin volume by 2035. The firm said Millennials and Gen Z increasingly treat onchain transactions as a default payment method. Chainalysis said stablecoin usage spans payments, remittances, and digital commerce platforms.

Chainalysis identified merchant adoption and payment integration as the second major catalyst. Stablecoins are entering merchant checkout systems and backend settlement infrastructure across payment networks. Chainalysis said these integrations are expanding across payment systems globally.

The firm estimates merchant integration could add another $232 trillion in annual volume. Chainalysis said emerging technologies such as AI-driven commerce may increase stablecoin transaction frequency. These systems can automate payments and settlement processes across digital platforms. Chainalysis said stablecoin volumes could match combined Visa and Mastercard transaction levels between 2031 and 2039.

Stablecoin Volumes Gain Support From Institutions and Payment Giants

Chainalysis cited the GENIUS Act in its report as part of recent U.S. regulatory developments around stablecoins. The firm said U.S. regulatory changes are shaping institutional participation in stablecoin markets. Chainalysis added that regulatory developments are providing clearer frameworks for stablecoin adoption.

Stablecoin volume has been expanding as institutions build supporting infrastructure across global payment systems. Stripe acquired Bridge for $1.1 billion to strengthen its stablecoin capabilities. Mastercard agreed to acquire BVNK in a deal valued at up to $1.8 billion.

Standard Chartered said stablecoins could drive up to $1 trillion in demand for U.S. Treasuries. The bank linked stablecoin growth to changes in global capital flows. Meanwhile, a recent White House study found limited evidence that stablecoin yields would harm bank lending.

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