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In 2025, the buzzword surrounding stablecoins is opportunity. As the focus on cryptocurrencies continues to intensify and the crypto space continues to evolve, stablecoins are taking the spotlight as a credible, low volatility form of payment. Backed 1:1 by fiat reserves, stablecoins are gaining recognition from regulators, institutions, merchants and consumers. Assets such as USDT and USDC are now used as everyday tools for commerce and international trade, making cross-border transactions faster, more cost-effective and transparent. Free from the price swings typically associated with more volatile crypto assets such as Bitcoin, stablecoins are also growing in popularity among populations of countries where the local fiat currency is highly unstable, as is the case in Nigeria, Argentina and Turkey.
In this article, we explore what stablecoins are, the value of stablecoins as an opportunity for merchants and international trade in 2025, and how they are transforming lives in regions with unstable economies.
What are stablecoins?
Stablecoins are a type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value by being pegged to a reserve asset, which is most commonly a fiat currency, such as the U.S. dollar. Unlike other cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, which are well known for their dramatic price fluctuations, stablecoins aim to offer the price stability of fiat currencies while leveraging the speed, transparency and decentralization of blockchain technology. Leading examples such as USDT (Tether) and USDC (USD Coin) are backed by cash or cash-equivalent reserves, which ensures that each token can be redeemed for its equivalent in fiat, typically on a 1:1 basis.
This level of stability makes stablecoins ideally suited for practical, everyday spending, including payments, remittances, and international transactions. Stablecoins provide a digital bridge between traditional finance and currencies, and the decentralized world and benefits of crypto. By operating on blockchains, stablecoins enable near-instant, borderless transfers with fees typically much lower than those incurred for traditional money transfers. Blockchain transactions are also fully transparent and traceable, which provides significant advantages and peace of mind for cross-border remittance and trade payments.
The value of stablecoins for merchants and international trade in 2025
For merchants, stablecoins are an opportunity and a powerful tool that offers numerous advantages compared to traditional payment methods. As mentioned above, transactions executed using stablecoins can be completed in a matter of seconds and at a fraction of the cost of credit or debit card payments. The fact of removing intermediaries from the equation means merchants reduce their reliance on third-party processors, allowing them to keep more revenue and reduce delays in accessing their funds. This is a particularly valuable benefit for international sellers, who often face delays and high foreign exchange fees when processing cross-border payments.
Stablecoins also eliminate one of the major pain points for merchants: chargebacks. As with other cryptocurrencies, stablecoin payments are irreversible. Once a transaction is completed and verified on the blockchain, the funds cannot be moved without the recipient’s (the merchant’s) consent. This protects sellers from fraud, while also providing a clear and auditable record of each and every transaction. Finally, the global reach offered by stablecoins can help merchants amplify their customer base to include anyone with an internet connection. For users who lack access to traditional banking services, stablecoins provide a democratic on-ramp to the global digital economy.
Stablecoins as an opportunity for financial freedom
In 2025, stablecoins have taken on the role of a powerful tool for financial inclusion, offering users in economically unstable regions the chance to freely access financial services and manage their personal wealth. According to recent data, over 1.4 billion people around the world are classified as “unbanked”. By providing a stable, typically dollar-pegged alternative to volatile local currencies, stablecoins have empowered millions around the world to bypass traditional banking barriers and maintain full control over their funds.
Countries such as Nigeria and Argentina have seen a surge in stablecoin adoption. Faced with currency devaluation and inflation, individuals and small businesses in these countries have turned to stablecoins such as USDT and USDC to safeguard their earnings and facilitate transactions, remittances, savings and everyday purchases. Research has shown that stablecoins have also provided a lifeline for many migrants and travelers, who otherwise would have to rely on inefficient and expensive channels. Over 60 million Latino immigrants in the U.S. send more than $150 billion annually to their families. Now, blockchain-based solutions are evolving to help facilitate these transactions using stablecoins and help migrants control and maintain their wealth.
For more on crypto trends, or to learn how to integrate crypto payments into your business’ workflow, visit www.forumpay.com, or get in touch with our sales team to discuss any questions you may have.
