Nearly half of APAC consumers eye stablecoin use by 2031

Vietnam and India lead future intent at 67% each, according to Visa’s regional study.

Nearly half of Asia-Pacific (APAC) consumers expect to use stablecoins within the next five years, according to a Visa survey, although concerns over fraud and limited understanding continue to hold back wider adoption.

Visa’s Consumer 360 study found that 46% of consumers across the region are likely to use stablecoins within five years, compared with 16% who said they had used them in the past 12 months.

The study surveyed 14,250 consumers aged 18 to 65 across 14 APAC markets between June and July 2026.

Interest is extending beyond cryptocurrency trading. About 49% of respondents said stablecoins could become a common way to move money across borders within five years, pointing to possible use in remittances, international transfers, travel spending and online purchases.

Awareness is already relatively high, with 66% of consumers saying they know about stablecoins. 

However, only 6% showed an accurate understanding of how they work.

Misconceptions also remain common. About 41% of respondents believe stablecoins always increase in value, whilst 49% of those aware of stablecoins think they can only be used to buy and sell other cryptocurrencies.

Awareness was highest in Hong Kong at 84%, followed by India at 80% and Thailand at 77%. 

Vietnam and India recorded the strongest intent to use stablecoins within five years, both at 67%.

Trust remains a key barrier. Amongst consumers who are aware of stablecoins but have never used them, 38% cited concerns about fraud or scams, whilst 36% pointed to a lack of understanding.

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

Visa said the findings suggest consumers are beginning to see stablecoins as a possible payments tool rather than only as a crypto-related asset, but wider adoption will depend on whether they can be offered through familiar and regulated payment channels.