Stablecoins are rapidly emerging as the backbone of a new global credit infrastructure, and Visa’s latest analysis highlights explosive lending growth, surging user adoption, and institutional momentum transforming capital access across decentralized and traditional financial systems. Visa Highlights Explosive Growth of Blockchain-Based Credit Markets The surge in blockchain-based credit markets is redefining how traditional finance approaches lending, according to a new analysis by Visa Inc. (NYSE: V). In its report titled “Stablecoins Beyond Payments: The Onchain Lending Opportunity,” released last week, Visa outlined how stablecoins have transitioned from being used primarily for payments to serving as the foundation of an emerging digital credit infrastructure. The company described how these digital currencies are transforming lending systems through programmable features and automation powered by smart contracts. Visa stated: Over the past five years, we have witnessed over $670 billion in stablecoin-denominated loans, with significant year-over-year growth. The report found that monthly stablecoin lending volume has reached $51.7 billion, involving more than 81,000 active borrowers globally, underscoring how programmable digital assets are reshaping access to capital and liquidity in decentralized markets. “What makes stablecoins unique is their position at the intersection of three massive markets: payments, lending and capital markets,” the firm explained. This dynamic positioning enables stablecoins to connect traditional and digital financial systems through automated, transparent smart contracts. Visa further noted: They are uniquely positioned to drive even greater transformation in the global modernization and automation of lending and capital markets. The company cautioned that the technology remains nascent but emphasized growing confidence in decentralized finance systems. “While it’s still the early days for integrating stablecoins as ‘programmable money’ into mainstream finance, the underlying smart contract infrastructure is being deployed, battle-tested and scaled publicly through the existing decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem,” Visa said. The firm anticipates that as stablecoin adoption accelerates, banks and institutions integrating blockchain-based lending will gain a significant competitive advantage in a future financial system defined by transparency, efficiency, and 24/7 operability. FAQ 🧭 How are stablecoins transforming global lending markets? Stablecoins are enabling blockchain-powered credit systems that automate lending, boost liquidity, and connect traditional finance with decentralized markets through smart contracts. What is the current size of the stablecoin lending market? Visa’s analysis reports $51.7 billion in monthly stablecoin lending volume, with more than 81,000 active global borrowers. Why are stablecoins positioned as key players in financial modernization? They bridge payments, lending, and capital markets, allowing automated, transparent, and 24/7 global financial operations. What advantages will banks gain by adopting blockchain-based lending? Financial institutions embracing onchain lending will benefit from greater efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness in the evolving digital economy.