The US Stablecoin Market Gains Momentum

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Stablecoins 1 - The US Stablecoin Market Gains Momentum

The US stablecoin market is experiencing remarkable growth, driven by regulatory clarity, innovative tokenized assets, and institutional adoption. According to a report by Keyrock and Centrifuge, stablecoins circulated over $208 billion in the past year, facilitating more than $4 trillion in transactions—a 45% increase year-over-year. With rising demand for faster payments and secure digital transactions, the US is leading the charge in integrating stablecoins into mainstream finance.

USDC and USDT Lead Stablecoin Market Growth

Circle’s USDC has made significant strides, with its supply growing by $16.3 billion between January and March 2025, according to Artemis Analytics. USDC’s market cap has now reached a record $60 billion, reflecting growing confidence in its stability and transparency. However, Tether’s USDT remains the dominant player, with a market capitalization of $144 billion, although its growth rate slowed to just $4.4 billion over the same period.

Despite USDC’s rapid growth, USDT’s larger market share demonstrates that the stablecoin space remains competitive. Analysts predict that as the US stablecoin market continues to mature, both USDC and USDT will maintain strong footholds in the sector, providing investors with multiple options for digital payments and treasury management.

Tokenized US Treasuries Fuel Stablecoin Expansion

One of the most notable drivers of stablecoin growth in the United States is the surge in tokenized US Treasuries. The Keyrock and Centrifuge report highlights a 415% year-over-year increase in tokenized US Treasury assets—from $800 million to $4 billion. Major asset managers like Fidelity Investments, overseeing $5.8 trillion in assets, are entering the sector, providing legitimacy and fueling further growth.

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Franklin Templeton’s on-chain money market fund, launched in 2021, has already amassed $689 million in assets. As more institutional players explore tokenized Treasuries, the US stablecoin market is expected to benefit from a robust foundation that blends traditional finance with blockchain technology.

US Congress Pushes Stablecoin Regulation

Regulatory clarity is another key factor behind the rapid growth of the US stablecoin market. On March 26, Rep. Bryan Steil, chair of the House Financial Services Committee’s crypto panel, and Rep. French Hill introduced the STABLE Act. This legislation establishes clear guidelines for issuing and operating dollar-backed payment stablecoins in the US.

A spokesperson for Rep. Hill emphasized the importance of providing clear rules for stablecoins to allow the market to flourish while protecting consumers and investors. Earlier, on March 13, the US Senate Banking Committee passed the GENIUS Act, proposing a comprehensive framework for regulating payment stablecoins.

“With growing momentum behind legislation like the GENIUS Act and major institutions and even states getting involved, the US is setting the tone for stablecoin adoption,” said Bhaji Illuminati, CEO of Centrifuge. This legislative push strengthens the US stablecoin market by aligning stablecoin adoption with national interests.

New Stablecoin Projects Shape the Future

As regulatory clarity improves, more US-based fintechs, banks, and asset managers are launching dollar-backed digital assets. Former President Donald Trump’s partnership with World Liberty Financial to create a new stablecoin, USD1, highlights the growing intersection between politics and digital assets. USD1 is designed to be redeemable 1:1 for the US dollar and backed by dollar deposits, US Treasuries, and other cash equivalents.

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Additionally, the State of Wyoming is testing its own stablecoin, WYST (Wyoming Stable Token), across multiple blockchain networks. Governor Mark Gordon outlined the benefits of WYST at the DC Blockchain Summit, highlighting over-collateralization requirements and plans to direct treasury-generated interest to the state’s school foundation fund.

Barriers to Stablecoin Market Expansion

Despite rapid growth, several challenges could hinder the long-term expansion of the US stablecoin market. Caitlin Long, CEO of Custodia Bank, noted that tax and accounting rules remain significant barriers to adoption. “Stablecoins have always been the bridge between TradFi and crypto, which is why Custodia proposed to issue them back in 2020,” she said.

Mike Cahill, CEO of Douro Labs, pointed to regulatory ambiguity as the biggest obstacle. “Without clear guidelines, banks and institutions will undoubtedly stay on the sidelines,” Cahill remarked. He emphasized the need for fit-for-purpose frameworks that distinguish between stablecoins built for payments and those designed for speculative use.

Conclusion: The Future of the US Stablecoin Market

With growing regulatory clarity, institutional adoption, and increasing demand for tokenized assets, the US stablecoin market is poised for sustained growth. As policymakers continue to refine legislation and major players enter the space, the potential for stablecoins to revolutionize traditional finance is becoming clearer. However, regulatory challenges and technical hurdles will need to be addressed to ensure a smooth transition toward broader stablecoin adoption.

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Featured Image: Freepik

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