Global payments infrastructure platform Mercuryo has released new data indicating that stablecoins are transitioning from volatile crypto trading tools into a fundamental layer for digital payments and settlement. The analysis reveals a significant shift in how fintechs and traditional financial services utilize blockchain-based technology to manage liquidity. As neobanks and corporations integrate these synthetic fiat currencies, stablecoins are increasingly powering international transfers, treasury rebalancing, and real-time supplier settlements, signaling a move toward more efficient, around-the-clock financial operations across the global digital economy.
Mercuryo Data Shows Rising Stablecoin Purchase Value
Mercuryo’s analysis of its on-ramp infrastructure highlights a sharp increase in stablecoin adoption. In the first half of 2026, stablecoins accounted for 60% of the total crypto purchase value on the platform, a notable rise from 43% recorded in the second half of 2025. This trend is particularly evident among new users, where stablecoins represented 47% of all first-time crypto purchases, up from 33% in the latter half of 2025. Furthermore, the average stablecoin order size increased by approximately 28%, suggesting that users are both choosing these assets more frequently and committing larger amounts per transaction. This data reflects a broader evolution where stablecoins serve as a primary medium for value transfer rather than just a temporary hedge against market volatility.
Corporate and Neobank Integration of Stablecoin Rails
The expansion of stablecoin utility is being driven by diverse institutional use cases. Neobanks are increasingly integrating stablecoin rails to facilitate multi-currency account services and international transfers. For corporate entities, stablecoins like USDC enable businesses to rebalance treasury positions across different jurisdictions, move working capital between subsidiaries, and settle supplier invoices in real time. This capability allows for 24/7 settlement, bypassing the traditional delays associated with standard bank transfers. Major industry players are also reinforcing this infrastructure; Visa has expanded its USDC settlement capabilities on Solana and Ethereum, while PayPal utilizes its PYUSD stablecoin via Xoom to settle cross-border transactions without maintaining expensive pre-funded local bank reserves. Additionally, the BlackRock and Circle partnership allows treasurers to instantly swap BUIDL fund shares for liquid USDC.
Key Takeaways
- Stablecoin share of total crypto purchase value on Mercuryo rose to 60% in H1 2026, up from 43% in H2 2025.
- First-time crypto buyers used stablecoins for 47% of purchases in the first half of 2026, compared to 33% in the previous period.
- The average size of stablecoin orders increased by approximately 28% according to Mercuryo's infrastructure data.
FinanceInsyte's Take
In our view, the Mercuryo data confirms that stablecoins are successfully transitioning from speculative instruments to essential financial plumbing. The shift from 43% to 60% in purchase value suggests that the "clunkiness" of legacy banking is becoming a competitive liability for firms that cannot offer instantaneous, 24/7 settlement. This is not merely a trend in crypto-native circles; the involvement of giants like Visa, BlackRock, and PayPal indicates that stablecoins are being institutionalized as a legitimate settlement layer. This signals a structural move toward programmable, real-time liquidity that could eventually redefine how corporate treasuries and cross-border payment networks operate globally.
Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/