Asia Pacific Consumers Show Growing Interest in Stablecoins for Everyday Use

A new Visa study reveals that nearly half of consumers in the Asia Pacific region are open to using stablecoins within the next five years. The Visa Consumer 360 research surveyed 14,250 consumers across 14 markets, showing growing interest in stablecoins for everyday spending, travel, and cross-border transactions. However, significant barriers remain, including limited understanding and concerns about trust.

According to the findings, 46% of consumers say they are likely to use stablecoins in the next five years, while only 16% have used them in the past year. The research highlights potential use cases beyond crypto trading, such as online purchases, travel spending, and overseas shopping. Notably, 49% believe stablecoins could become a common way to move money across borders within five years.

Awareness of stablecoins is high, with 66% of consumers familiar with them. Yet, only 6% demonstrate an accurate understanding of how they work. Misconceptions are widespread, with 49% believing stablecoins can only be used to buy or sell other cryptocurrencies. Trust is also a major concern, as 38% of aware but non-using consumers cite fears of fraud or scams, and 36% point to a lack of understanding.

Visa is working with banks and regulated financial institutions to integrate stablecoin capabilities into familiar payment experiences. The company's Visa Stablecoin Platform aims to enhance security, compliance, and usability. "Consumers want stablecoins to feel like a natural part of the payments they already trust," said Nischint Sanghavi, Head of Digital Currencies at Visa. The study underscores the need for trusted and accessible stablecoin solutions.