Nearly half of consumers in Asia Pacific say they are likely to use stablecoins within the next five years, a study by Visa has found. About 46 per cent expect to use them, compared with 16 per cent who have used one in the past 12 months.

The Visa Consumer 360 study surveyed 14,250 consumers aged 18 to 65 across 14 Asia Pacific markets between June and July 2026.

Interest goes beyond crypto trading

About 49 per cent of respondents believe stablecoins could become a common way to move money across borders within five years. Interest also extends to online purchases, travel and overseas shopping.

Awareness is highest in Hong Kong (84 per cent), India (80 per cent) and Thailand (77 per cent). Vietnam and India show the strongest intent to use stablecoins within five years, at 67 per cent each.

Understanding and trust lag awareness

While 66 per cent of consumers are aware of stablecoins, only 6 per cent demonstrate an accurate understanding of how they work. About 41 per cent believe stablecoins always increase in value, and 49 per cent of those aware of them think they can only be used to buy and sell other cryptocurrencies.

Among aware non-users, 38 per cent cite fraud or scam concerns and 36 per cent point to a lack of understanding. Government or central bank-linked entities (27 per cent) and banks or regulated financial institutions (26 per cent) are seen as the most trusted providers.

Nischint Sanghavi, Head of Digital Currencies, Asia Pacific at Visa, said the opportunity now is to “turn that interest into trusted and familiar payment experiences that work at scale.” Visa says it is working with banks, regulated financial institutions and payment partners on stablecoin-enabled experiences, including through the Visa Stablecoin Platform, which helps clients mint, move and manage stablecoins.