Nearly half of Asia Pacific consumers open to stablecoins, Visa finds

A Visa survey found growing interest among consumers across Asia Pacific in using stablecoins for purchases, travel and cross-border payments.

The Visa Consumer 360 study surveyed 14,250 consumers aged 18 to 65 across 14 Asia Pacific markets. It found that 46% were likely to use stablecoins within the next five years, while 16% had used them in the previous 12 months.

Respondents identified online purchases, travel spending and overseas shopping as potential uses. In addition, 49% said they believe stablecoins could become a common way to transfer money across borders within five years.

Knowledge of stablecoins remains limited. Among respondents who were aware of them, 49% believed they could only be used to buy and sell other cryptocurrencies.

Visa Asia Pacific Digital Currencies head Nischint Sanghavi said: “We’re seeing a meaningful shift in how consumers across Asia Pacific think about stablecoins.

“Consumers are beginning to see how stablecoins could support the ways they already spend and move money, particularly through online purchases, travel and cross-border transfers. The opportunity now is to turn that interest into trusted and familiar payment experiences that work at scale.”

Awareness was highest in Hong Kong, at 84%, followed by India at 80% and Thailand at 77%. Intent to use stablecoins within five years was highest in Vietnam and India, at 67% in each market.

Overall, 66% of respondents said they were aware of stablecoins. However, just 6% demonstrated an accurate understanding of how they work. The study also found that 41% believed stablecoins always increase in value.

Among respondents who were aware of stablecoins but had not used them, 38% cited concerns about fraud or scams, while 36% said they lacked understanding.

Government- or central bank-linked entities were the most trusted potential providers, selected by 27% of respondents. Banks and regulated financial institutions followed at 26%.

Visa said it is working with banks, regulated financial institutions and payment partners to connect stablecoin services with existing payment methods.

Sanghavi added: “Consumers are beginning to see how stablecoins could support the ways they already spend and move money, particularly through online purchases, travel and cross-border transfers.

“The opportunity now is to turn that interest into trusted and familiar payment experiences that work at scale.”