Weekly Stable Up #1
LevelUSD, World chain and Visa, PayPal onboarding merchants onto PYUSD and more!
Welcome to the the first edition of The Weekly Stable Up! As the stablecoin ecosystem continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, this newsletter brings you the latest advancements, regulatory milestones, and innovative breakthroughs shaping the future of digital finance. From record-breaking market caps to rumored high-profile collaborations, here’s what’s driving the stablecoin surge.
Stablecoin Market Hits New Heights
The stablecoin sector is booming, with the total market capitalization surpassing $230 billion for the first time on March 21, 2025. This milestone reflects a $2.3 billion increase in just one week, fueled by institutional adoption and growing utility in cross-border payments and decentralized finance (DeFi). In 2024 alone, stablecoin transfers reached an astonishing $27.6 trillion, outpacing traditional giants like Visa and Mastercard combined. Analysts predict this trajectory could push the market cap to $400 billion by year-end, signaling stablecoins’ transformation from niche crypto tools to mainstream financial instruments.
U.S. Regulatory Framework Takes Shape
A major step forward came on March 18, 2025, when the U.S. Senate Banking Committee voted 18-6 to advance the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act. This bipartisan legislation mandates one-to-one reserve backing for dollar-pegged stablecoins, alongside robust anti-money laundering and consumer protection measures. President Trump, a vocal advocate, reiterated his support in a March 20 address at the Blockworks crypto conference, emphasizing stablecoins’ role in reinforcing U.S. dollar dominance. With Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and the President’s Council of Advisers on Digital Assets pushing for completion by August 2025, the U.S. is positioning itself as a global crypto leader.
World Network and Visa: A Rumored Game-Changer
Rumors are swirling about a potential collaboration between World Network (led by Sam Altman, formerly Worldcoin) and Visa to integrate stablecoin payments into a next-generation crypto wallet. Reported on March 24, 2025, by outlets like CoinDesk and CoinGape, this partnership could allow World Wallet users to spend stablecoins seamlessly at any Visa-accepting merchant worldwide. Described as a “mini bank account,” the wallet might offer advanced features like fiat on/off-ramps and foreign exchange services. While neither Visa nor World Network has officially confirmed the talks, the speculation has already boosted World Network’s native token (WLD) by 10%. If realized, this could bridge traditional finance and blockchain, accelerating stablecoin adoption globally.
Gold-Backed Stablecoins Stir Debate
On March 23, 2025, Bitcoin maximalist Max Keiser sparked controversy by predicting that gold-backed stablecoins could outpace their dollar-pegged counterparts. Citing gold’s stability and appeal to nations skeptical of U.S. influence, Keiser’s comments challenge the Trump administration’s dollar-centric vision. This debate underscores a broader shift, as innovators explore alternative pegs to diversify the stablecoin landscape.
Institutional Giants Join the Fray
The past week showcased institutional heavyweights doubling down on stablecoins:
Level, a stablecoin protocol, raised capital on March 18 to expand its $80 million yield-bearing token, leveraging DeFi lending for high returns.
Bank of America is reportedly exploring its own stablecoin, while Standard Chartered advances a Hong Kong dollar-pegged token.
PayPal aims to onboard 20 million merchants to its PYUSD stablecoin, and Stripe’s $1.1 billion acquisition of Bridge signals a push for stablecoin infrastructure.
These moves highlight a race to integrate stablecoins into traditional finance, with 2025 poised to be a pivotal year.
Europe’s Digital Euro Push
On March 21, 2025, ECB Chief Economist Philip Lane championed a digital euro to counter the dominance of dollar-linked stablecoins (99% of the market) and U.S. tech payment systems like Apple Pay and PayPal. This initiative reflects Europe’s bid to reclaim financial sovereignty amid stablecoins’ global rise.
What’s Next?
Stablecoins are no longer just a crypto curiosity—they’re rewriting the rules of finance. With regulatory clarity on the horizon, institutional backing intensifying, and innovative collaborations like World Network and Visa in the works, the ecosystem is set for explosive growth. Stay tuned for next month’s edition as we track whether these advancements solidify stablecoins as the backbone of tomorrow’s economy.