A recent Visa study reveals that almost half of all consumers throughout the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region anticipate adopting stablecoins over the next half-decade. The research, which surveyed 14,250 individuals across 14 markets, notes that despite this optimism, a significant majority of participants still lack a thorough understanding of these digital assets, and concerns regarding fraudulent activity continue to impede broader uptake.
Published on October 5, the Consumer 360 research highlights that 46% of participants indicated a high probability of utilizing stablecoins within a five-year horizon. This contrasts with the 16% who reported utilizing them over the preceding 12 months. Additionally, the data points toward growing enthusiasm for applying stablecoins to retail purchases, tourism expenses, and global money movements.
Stablecoin Use Gains Attention Across Asia-Pacific
According to Visa, consumers are increasingly viewing stablecoins beyond the scope of traditional cryptocurrency trading. Survey participants noted potential applications in retail transactions, travel spending, and purchasing goods from international vendors.
International transfers were another key highlight, with 49% of surveyed individuals expressing the belief that stablecoins might emerge as a standard method for cross-border financial transfers within five years, encompassing remittances and other global payments.
The gap between historical usage and projected adoption remains stark. While just 16% of those surveyed engaged with stablecoins in the prior year, 46% project they will adopt them by 2031.
Nischint Sanghavi, Visa’s head of digital currencies for Asia Pacific, observed, “We’re seeing a meaningful shift in how consumers across Asia Pacific think about stablecoins.” He noted that individuals are beginning to evaluate how these assets can integrate into their daily expenditure and remittance routines.
Knowledge Gaps and Fraud Fears Hold Back Adoption
Even with rising curiosity, merely 6% of participants showed a precise comprehension of stablecoin mechanics. Furthermore, Visa discovered that 49% of individuals familiar with stablecoins incorrectly assumed they exist solely for purchasing and trading other cryptocurrencies.
Misunderstandings regarding asset value were also prevalent. Approximately 41% of participants assumed that stablecoins consistently appreciate in value. Structurally, these digital currencies typically aim to mirror the worth of an external reference asset—frequently a fiat currency like the U.S. dollar—though market deviations from that target can still occur.
Apprehensions regarding safety likewise emerged in the data. Among individuals familiar with stablecoins who had refrained from using them, 38% pointed to scams and fraud as a primary deterrent, while 36% cited inadequate comprehension of the technology.
Credibility of issuers played a role as well. Entities backed by governments or central banks emerged as the most reliable stablecoin issuers for 27% of participants, closely followed by traditional banks and authorized financial institutions at 26%.
India and Vietnam Record Strong Adoption Interest
Familiarity with stablecoins varied by region throughout Visa’s study, with Hong Kong leading at 84% awareness, trailed by India at 80% and Thailand at 77%.
Regarding future integration, India and Vietnam demonstrated the highest anticipated adoption rates over the next five years, with 67% of participants in each country indicating intent to use them. These metrics underscore how recognition and projected utilization fluctuate throughout Asia-Pacific.
Visa stated it is collaborating with banks, authorized financial institutions, and transaction partners to link stablecoin networks with conventional payment options. The company’s Visa Stablecoin Platform aims to assist clients in issuing, transferring, and overseeing stablecoins.
Simultaneously, payment provider Reap is developing local-currency stablecoins to facilitate 24/7 foreign exchange clearing across Asia and alternative regions. Under consideration for tokenization are regional legal tenders such as the Japanese yen, South Korean won, and Hong Kong dollar.
The study surveyed individuals aged 18 through 65 spanning mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, India, Australia, and New Zealand. Fieldwork was executed by Visa from June to July 2026.
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