Stablecoins Reach Their 'ChatGPT Moment' as Citi Forecasts Market to Hit $4 Trillion by 2030
- Citigroup forecasts stablecoin issuance could hit $4 trillion by 2030, up from $3.7 trillion, driven by blockchain adoption and institutional growth in real-world commerce. - Stablecoins may enable $100–$200 trillion in annual transactions by streamlining cross-border payments and reducing costs, with growth likened to blockchain’s “ChatGPT moment.” - Bank tokens could surpass stablecoins in transaction volume by 2030 due to demand for regulatory compliance and real-time settlement, potentially exceeding
Citigroup has updated its outlook for the stablecoin sector, now anticipating that total issuance could climb to $4 trillion by 2030 in an optimistic scenario, surpassing its earlier projection of $3.7 trillion. This revision is based on the significant expansion seen in 2025, when stablecoin issuance grew from around $200 billion at the year's outset to $280 billion by September. The bank credits this momentum to a surge in blockchain adoption among digital-first businesses and a rise in institutional involvement in real-world transactions.
According to Citi’s research, stablecoins could enable as much as $100 trillion in yearly transaction volume in the base scenario, and potentially twice that amount in a bullish outlook, provided their turnover rate matches that of conventional fiat money. This anticipated surge is fueled by stablecoins’ ability to simplify international payments, lower transaction expenses, and boost efficiency. Citi compares this stage to a “ChatGPT moment” for blockchain, where its revolutionary effects on financial systems are becoming increasingly apparent.
Although stablecoins are set to lead in certain areas,
The U.S. dollar continues to be the primary currency in blockchain-based finance, with the majority of stablecoins tied to its value. Nonetheless, Citi points to new innovation centers such as China Hong Kong and the UAE, where alternative regulatory models for digital currencies are being explored. The report notes that stablecoins, bank tokens, and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) are all likely to coexist, each serving unique roles within a transformed financial landscape.
Citi’s projections highlight the shifting function of stablecoins as connectors between legacy and digital financial systems. Despite ongoing issues like regulatory oversight and the need for transparent reserves, the bank expects further institutional investment and technological progress to drive continued expansion. However, the future path of the stablecoin market will depend on broader economic trends and how effectively cross-border payment challenges are addressed.
Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.
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