Binance stablecoins surge in emerging markets, set for 77% users by 2026

Binance Research projects that users from emerging markets will reach 77% of Binance’s base by 2026 (from 49% in 2020). The shift is framed as driven by financial access needs—saving, payments and investment—more than by pure speculation. Stablecoins are becoming a core “savings” tool. For Binance users in emerging markets holding at least $10, 36% reportedly allocate half or more of their portfolios to stablecoins. Globally, that share rose from 4% in 2020 to 28% in 2026. In Brazil, tax authority data cited by Binance shows stablecoins tied to up to 90% of crypto trading volume, linked to currency volatility and high remittance costs. Binance points to low cost and speed: stablecoin transfers can be as low as $0.0001 with rapid settlement, versus international SWIFT transfers costing at least $20. Regulators remain cautious. Moody’s and the IMF warn that stablecoin dominance could weaken monetary sovereignty and add system-wide vulnerabilities, keeping policy risk central as adoption grows. For traders, this points to structurally rising stablecoin usage (especially in emerging markets), which can influence USDT liquidity and on-exchange balances, while regulatory headlines may still swing risk sentiment.