Key Highlights
- Digital stablecoins achieved $7.2 trillion in adjusted monthly volume during February, exceeding the ACH network’s $6.8 trillion.
- Data from Artemis utilized 30-day rolling adjusted calculations while filtering out MEV activity and internal exchange movements.
- March figures showed stablecoin volume climbing to $7.5 trillion, equaling ACH network throughput.
- The aggregate stablecoin market supply expanded to $315 billion throughout Q1 2026, per CEX.IO analysis.
- Digital stablecoins represented three-quarters of all cryptocurrency trading activity in the quarter.
Digital stablecoins have surpassed the United States Automated Clearing House system in monthly transaction throughput for the first time, based on findings from Artemis. The adjusted rolling 30-day volume hit $7.2 trillion, compared to the ACH’s $6.8 trillion over an equivalent timeframe. This milestone represents a significant shift in how value transfers are being conducted in the financial ecosystem.
The analytics platform employed adjusted 30-day rolling metrics denominated in US dollars for its calculations. Artemis filtered out maximal extractable value operations and transfers occurring within centralized trading platforms. These refined figures were subsequently benchmarked against daily average throughput from established financial infrastructure.
Digital Currencies Eclipse Traditional Payment Rails
According to Artemis analysis, stablecoin networks registered $7.2 trillion in adjusted transaction throughput throughout February. Meanwhile, the ACH network handled $6.8 trillion across the identical measurement window. The ACH infrastructure represents a critical component of America’s electronic payment ecosystem. According to Nacha statistics, approximately 93% of American wage payments flow through ACH channels.
Subsequent data from Artemis demonstrates that March stablecoin activity surged to $7.5 trillion. This volume mirrored the ACH system’s performance during the corresponding period. The metrics reveal consistent expansion for blockchain-based payment tokens when measured against established networks like Visa and PayPal. Industry observers maintain ongoing surveillance of these monthly trends for comparative analysis.
Financial analyst Alex Obchakevich commented on this development via social media platform X. He noted, “Stablecoins are quietly becoming the foundational infrastructure for global payments: no banks, no weekends, no borders.” His observation accompanied the publication of February’s transaction metrics. The analysis emphasized the round-the-clock accessibility and cross-border capabilities inherent in distributed ledger technology.
In February 2026, stablecoins surpassed ACH in monthly volume for the first time.
Stablecoins – $7.2T
ACH – $6.8T
Visa – $1.2TStablecoins are quietly becoming the foundational infrastructure for global payments: no banks, no weekends, no borders.
Data used: @artemis pic.twitter.com/HmBqydqafM
— Alex (@obchakevich_) March 31, 2026
Market Capitalization Expands Amid Rising Institutional Engagement
According to CEX.IO research, the combined market capitalization of stablecoins reached $315 billion during Q1 2026. This represents an $8 billion year-over-year increase compared to the opening quarter of 2025. The expansion in available supply corresponded with heightened utilization across both trading venues and payment infrastructure. Historical market intelligence reveals continuous growth trajectories since 2020.
Throughout the quarter, stablecoin transactions comprised 75% of aggregate cryptocurrency trading activity. This proportion established a new all-time high based on previously published reports. Available data indicates total market capitalization grew from under $30 billion in 2020 to surpass $300 billion by 2026. These statistics chronicle the remarkable six-year evolution of this digital asset category.
Frank Chaparro, who leads content strategy at GSR, weighed in on the phenomenon in a recent publication. He suggested that traditional banking institutions and fintech companies face obsolescence if they dismiss this sector’s trajectory. Chaparro referenced the GENIUS Act as legislative framework that has facilitated institutional participation. Research analysts at Standard Chartered have forecasted total stablecoin market valuation could escalate to $2 trillion by 2028, signifying expansion exceeding 530% from present levels.
