Retail stablecoin activity surged in August, with sub-$250 transfers hitting $5.84 billion, marking the highest monthly total ever, according to CEX.io. Year-to-date volumes have already exceeded 2024 levels, signaling strong adoption among everyday users.
A survey of over 2,600 consumers in emerging markets—including Nigeria, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Indonesia—showed nearly 70% increased stablecoin usage this year, while more than 75% expect continued growth, driven by lower fees and faster transfers.
Network Shifts
Tron (TRX), previously popular for small transfers, saw a 6% decline in transaction counts. Binance Smart Chain (BSC) captured nearly 40% of retail activity, with transaction counts up 75% and volume rising 67%. Ethereum, including L2 networks, now represents 20% of volume and 31% of transaction counts, with sub-$250 mainnet transfers rising 81% in volume and 184% in count, aided by a 70% drop in fees.
The data highlights a shift in retail adoption toward BSC and Ethereum, while Tron’s share continues to contract.
