The stablecoin economy expanded by $3.533 billion over the past week, pushing its total valuation past the $260 billion mark for the first time in history.
DeFi and Payments Fuel Stablecoin Growth to Unprecedented $260 Billion
As of July 19, 2025, data from defillama.com places the stablecoin market’s valuation at $260.571 billion. The sector expanded by 1.37% over the past seven days, adding $3.533 billion.
Over the last month, it climbed by $8.87 billion, marking a 3.53% increase since June 19. The $260 billion milestone marks more than just a jump in numbers—it highlights how stablecoins have steadily woven themselves into the fabric of everyday finance.
From decentralized finance (DeFi) and centralized exchanges to international transfers and digital payments, their presence keeps expanding in practical and meaningful ways. This explosive rise didn’t happen overnight, but it grew fast. Since January 2020, when stablecoins collectively hovered around a $5.26 billion market cap, their value has ballooned by 4853.2%.
A whirlwind of developments kicked things into high gear, starting with the DeFi boom that took off in mid-to-late 2020. As the months rolled on, stablecoins became increasingly common in trading tools, lending protocols, and global payment channels—feeding a growing appetite across the board.
After soaring to nearly $200 billion in May 2022, the stablecoin market hit turbulence following the crash of Terra’s UST and the subsequent downfall of FTX later that year. Despite the rocky stretch, glimmers of recovery began to surface by Q2 2023. From its lowest point following the collapses of FTX and Terra, the stablecoin market has climbed 110.97%, adding $137 billion in value along the way.
As the stablecoin market reaches new heights, its resilience and continued expansion suggest a deepening role in digital finance. With the GENIUS Act signed into law by President Trump, the data points to steady momentum rather than fleeting hype, with growth driven by real-world applications.
Whether through cross-border payments or integration with DeFi platforms, stablecoins appear to be carving out a lasting position in the evolving structure of global finance.