Stablecoins Surpass $260 Billion, Prompting Global Banks to Invest in Blockchain

The rapid growth of the stablecoin market has led to a surge in investment from global banks, including Barclays. The UK-based bank is evaluating blockchain technology for its payment services, with a focus on stablecoins and tokenized deposits. This move reflects the increasing importance of blockchain technology in the financial sector.

According to Bloomberg Intelligence, the combined market cap of USDT and USDC reached over $260 billion by early 2026, representing a 160% increase from their lows at the end of 2023. The growth has been driven by institutional traders re-entering the market and regulatory clarity around stablecoins.

Barclays' move to adopt blockchain technology is part of a broader trend in the banking sector. Major banks such as JPMorgan and HSBC have already deployed blockchain-based payment solutions, while Meta Platforms is exploring stablecoin payments across its apps.