In a clear sign of growing adoption, over 400 million cryptocurrency wallets now have a non-zero balance, according to a recent report by Chainalysis. The increase coincides with a renewed bull market that is drawing both retail and institutional investors, especially those transacting in dollar-pegged stablecoins.
Chainalysis’ new report highlights this surge in wallet activity as indicative of the broader acceptance of cryptocurrencies. While wallet addresses don’t directly translate to the number of individual users, the growing numbers reflect a steady rise in blockchain usage.
“We’re witnessing a seismic shift in both perception and usage,” the Chainalysis team wrote, noting that traditional financial institutions are increasingly converging with the digital economy through products like exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and tokenized assets.
Source: Chainalysis
Stablecoins Dominate On-Chain Transactions
The report emphasized the pivotal role of stablecoins in crypto adoption. Since the beginning of 2024, stablecoins have accounted for 50% to 75% of all on-chain transactions. Traditionally seen as entry and exit points for fiat in the crypto market, stablecoins are also gaining traction as a store of value, particularly in emerging markets.
In regions like Venezuela and Latin America, stablecoins pegged to the U.S. dollar are increasingly used for remittances and to provide liquidity in jurisdictions facing economic instability or stringent capital controls.
“Stablecoins offer a lifeline in areas with limited access to the dollar, demonstrating their utility beyond speculative trading,” Chainalysis noted.
Source: Chainalysis
Support from Financial Leaders
The utility of stablecoins has not gone unnoticed by policymakers. In an Oct. 18 speech at the Institute of Advanced Studies, U.S. Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller recognized the potential of stablecoins to reduce cross-border transaction costs.
Similarly, the U.S. Treasury’s Borrowing Advisory Committee, in an Oct. 30 report, highlighted how dollar-pegged stablecoins boost demand for Treasury bills and streamline the issuance process for Treasury assets. This perspective aligns with statements made by Paxos CEO Charles Cascarilla, who argued in an Oct. 29 letter to lawmakers that stablecoins are essential for maintaining the dollar’s relevance in an increasingly digital economy.
Institutional Interest and Future Outlook
The Chainalysis report also underscored the convergence of traditional finance and crypto, driven by innovations like ETFs and tokenized investment products. Institutions are finding ways to integrate blockchain technology into existing systems, further bridging the gap between the digital and traditional economies.
With 400 million wallets now active, and stablecoins becoming indispensable in global finance, the crypto industry appears poised for further growth, even as regulators and traditional financial institutions grapple with its implications. The report serves as a compelling reminder that the integration of crypto into the global economy is no longer a question of “if” but “how soon.”
