DevDeer TechLoading
Business
Kaies Mahmud Nehal14 min read
Quick answer: Businesses add stablecoin payments to get paid faster, pay less on cross-border transfers, and accept money at any hour. The rules are also getting clearer. The EU has had stablecoin rules since June 2024. Australia passed its digital asset licensing law on 1 April 2026 and is still finishing its stablecoin rules. Stablecoins work best for cross-border and high-value payments, not for every small local sale.
Think about the last time you paid a supplier in another country. The bank took a fee. The exchange rate hid another fee. The money took days to land. And if you sent it on Friday evening, it sat there until Monday.
That is the problem stablecoin payments try to fix. In 2026, more business owners in Australia and Europe are looking at them. Not because they love crypto, but because they are tired of slow and costly payments.
A stablecoin is a digital coin made to hold a steady price. Most are tied to one currency, like the US dollar or the euro. One coin is meant to stay worth one dollar, or one euro.
A stablecoin payment means you send or receive these coins instead of normal bank money. The coins move over a blockchain, which is a shared record kept by many computers. Stripe notes that these payments usually run on public blockchains such as Ethereum or Solana[6].
The payer turns normal money into stablecoins. This step is called an on-ramp.
The payer sends the coins to your wallet address.
The network confirms the payment. Visa says payment firms can use a dollar stablecoin to fund cross-border payouts in nearly real time[19].
You keep the coins, or turn them back into local money. This step is called an off-ramp.
Most business use today follows this simple pattern: normal money in, stablecoin transfer, normal money out[22].
Wallet: an app or account that holds your coins and has an address you can share.
On-ramp: the step that turns normal money into coins.
Off-ramp: the step that turns coins back into normal money.
USDC and USDT: Dollar coins. Together they make up about 82% of all stablecoins[20].
EURC: a euro coin from Circle, issued as a MiCA-compliant token in the EU[11].
AUDD, A$DC and AUDM: Australian dollar coins (more below).
The Qivalis coin: a euro coin from a group of European banks. It is not live yet (more below).
The whole market held about US$308 billion in coins in August 2026[20].
Six reasons keep coming up.
A normal cross-border bank payment often passes through two to four middle banks. Each one adds a fee and a delay [22]. Stablecoins move around the clock, including weekends and public holidays [26].
In a Fireblocks survey, 48% of companies said speed was their top reason for using stablecoins. Cost came second, at 30% [27].
The World Bank tracks what it costs to send US$200 across borders. In early 2025 the global average was 6.49% [25]. The G20 goal is 3%. That number is for small personal transfers, but it shows how costly the old route can be.
For companies, EY-Parthenon found that 41% of businesses already using stablecoins saved at least 10% on cross-border business payments [22]. Network fees can be less than one cent per transfer [26].
You still pay at the edges. Turning money into coins and back again has fees. That is why savings are best on larger payments. One guide says the sweet spot starts above about US$1,500, where the saving is bigger than the ramp fees [22].
With a bank transfer, you often cannot see where your money is. With stablecoins, the payment goes from one wallet to another, and both sides can check it on the blockchain. Fewer steps mean fewer places for delays and hidden fees.
Businesses use stablecoins to pay overseas suppliers, freelancers and marketplace sellers [26]. In an EY survey, 77% of organisations named cross-border supplier payments as their top use [27]. If your team or suppliers sit in other countries, this is where you will feel the benefit first.
Visa announced USDC settlement for US banks in December 2025 [24].
Visa says about 17% of stablecoin-linked card volume now runs through business and commercial cards. Among the flows it studied, B2B payments had the highest cross-border share, at 43% [18].
Stripe and Mastercard bought stablecoin firms (Bridge and BVNK), according to one report [27]. Mastercard, Visa and Stripe have all announced new stablecoin services in recent weeks [19].
McKinsey, as reported by FinTech Futures, found that B2B stablecoin payments grew 733% in one year and make up about 60% of stablecoin payment volume [24].
You may not need to touch a wallet at all. In one model, your customer pays with a normal card, and you receive the money as stablecoins [23]. The hard part stays behind the scenes.
Some businesses keep part of their cash in stablecoins so they can move it fast between countries and currencies. Stripe lists flexible treasury holdings as one use in Australia [6]. This is a next step. Start with payments first.
The stablecoin market sat near US$308 billion in August 2026. That is about 4.5% below its May peak of US$322.4 billion, but still up more than 14% from a year earlier [20]. Supply paused over the summer while use kept growing. About US$5.2 trillion in stablecoins moved in July alone [21].
Allium's data, reported in October, put stablecoin payments at US$482 billion for the first nine months of 2026, up 45% [19]. The two numbers measure different things. The first counts every coin transfer. The second counts payments.
Allium estimated that spending through stablecoin-linked cards was only 0.03% of Visa's US$4 trillion payment volume in the second quarter [19]. So do not expect most of your customers to pay in stablecoins tomorrow.
Use case | Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
Paying suppliers in other countries | Strong | Many middle banks, slow and costly transfers [22] |
Paying freelancers and contractors abroad | Strong | Fast payouts, low network fees [26] |
High-value sales (above about US$1,500) | Strong | Savings are bigger than ramp fees [22] |
Marketplace and affiliate payouts | Strong | Many small payouts across borders [26] |
Small local shop checkout | Weak | Cards and bank apps are already fast and cheap [23] |
One payments guide says it plainly: the strongest use is cross-border settlement, supplier payouts and treasury moves, not everyday local checkout [23].
Australia is rewriting its crypto and payment rules at the same time.
On 1 April 2026, Parliament passed the Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025. Platforms that hold digital assets for customers now need an Australian Financial Services (AFS) licence [3].
That law does not set out the full stablecoin rules. Industry groups asked the government to speed up a separate stablecoin framework [3][4].
AUSTRAC registration is the base requirement for digital asset businesses serving people in Australia. Anti-money-laundering rules are also being widened to cover more payment and digital asset firms [7].
In December 2025, ASIC finalised relief for firms that pass on stablecoins from an AFS-licensed issuer. Those firms do not need extra licences of their own if they meet the conditions [5][6].
Treasury is building a new payments licence system. In its draft, a company that issues a payment stablecoin would be regulated as a "tokenised stored value facility" provider [1][2]. More detail, including safeguarding rules, was due in 2026 [2].
I did not find a final stablecoin law in the sources I checked. Confirm the latest with Treasury and ASIC before you launch.
A$DC (ANZ): In 2022, ANZ minted A$30 million of A$DC with Fireblocks and Zerocap, and moved it in a live customer payment [8].
AUDD (AUDC Pty Ltd, owned by Novatti): It was listed on Coinbase in September 2025. ASIC granted AUDC an AFS licence in February 2026 [9].
AUDM (Macropod): Stripe describes Macropod as the first licensed issuer of an AUD-backed stablecoin, in 2025 [6].
If you sell in Australian dollars, an AUD coin means one less currency swap. ANZ said that before A$DC, businesses had to flip in and out of mostly US dollar coins, which added cost and exchange rate risk [8].
MiCA is the EU's single rulebook for crypto. Stablecoin rules started on 30 June 2024. Rules for crypto service firms started on 30 December 2024 [10][12]. The extra time given to firms already operating ended on 1 July 2026 [13].
EMT (e-money token): tied to one currency, like the euro or the dollar. Most payment coins are EMTs [11].
ART (asset-referenced token): tied to a basket of things, like several currencies or commodities [11].
Be a bank or an e-money institution [12].
Hold full reserves that are kept apart from the company's own money [11].
Follow reserve, redemption and disclosure rules [10].
Circle got a French e-money licence on 1 July 2024. It issues USDC and EURC as MiCA-compliant tokens [11].
Use coins from issuers that follow MiCA. Several trading venues removed tokens that did not comply for EU customers during 2024 and 2025 [10].
Work with a licensed crypto-asset service provider (CASP). One CASP licence works in all 27 member states [10].
Expect anti-money-laundering checks. Rules such as the travel rule still apply [10].
Expect limits on very large non-euro coins. Once a dollar coin becomes very large, MiCA caps how far it can be used for everyday payments in the EU. This nudges the market toward euro coins [11].
Today, over 95% of all stablecoins are tied to the US dollar [17]. European banks want to change that.
Qivalis is a group of 37 banks from 15 countries [13][16]. In October 2026, the Dutch central bank gave it an e-money licence [14][15].
The token is not live yet. Qivalis must still file a white paper, and the Dutch central bank has 20 working days to review it [15].
It will be sold through banks, exchanges and payment firms, not directly to the public [15].
Reports say at least 40% of reserves will sit in bank deposits and the rest in short-term euro government bonds [17].
Qivalis is not alone. Quantoz Payments, Fiat Republic and Aplauz also hold Dutch licences to issue euro stablecoins [15].
Not everyone is cheering. ECB President Christine Lagarde said in May 2026 that stablecoins are not Europe's best route to strengthen the euro's role in the world [16].
Both regions are still moving. Australia's stablecoin rules are not final, and the European Commission has already started reviewing MiCA, including stablecoin oversight [13].
The on-ramp and off-ramp cost money. On small payments these fees can erase your saving [22].
If you send coins to the wrong address, no bank can reverse it. Run test payments first. Use wallets that need more than one person to approve big transfers.
A stablecoin is built to hold its price, but in rare cases it can drift. Two coins, USDT and USDC, hold about 82% of the market [20]. A problem with one of them can reach many businesses at once. Pick coins with a regulated issuer and clear reserve reports.
Each payment may need a record in your books. Ask your accountant how to treat coins and exchange gains in your country.
Talk to a lawyer who knows your country's crypto and payment rules.
Choose a licensed payment partner.
Run small test payments in both directions.
Check the latest rules from ASIC, AUSTRAC or your EU regulator.
Match every coin payment to an invoice.
Review who can approve transfers from your wallet.
This checklist is general information. It is not legal, tax or financial advice.
Do not start with "accept everything." Pick one job, such as paying overseas suppliers, taking large orders from foreign buyers, or paying freelancers. One use is easy to test and easy to measure.
Selling in Australian dollars? Look at an AUD coin, or a widely used dollar coin through a provider.
Selling in the EU? Look at a euro coin, or a coin from a MiCA-compliant issuer [11].
Choose a network your customers already use. Ethereum and Solana are common choices [6].
A good provider handles ID checks, sanctions checks and the travel rule, so you do not have to build them yourself [11]. It also handles the on-ramp and off-ramp, so you can get paid in normal money if you want.
A "Pay with stablecoin" option next to card and bank transfer.
The price in AUD or EUR, with the exchange rate held for a few minutes.
A QR code and a wallet connect button.
A clear status: waiting, confirmed, done.
An email receipt with the payment details.
A list of all payments with status, amount and customer.
Tools for refunds and manual checks.
Each coin payment linked to an invoice.
Easy export for your accountant.
Save the transaction ID, coin, amount and exchange rate for every payment. It makes tax time and refunds much easier.
Launch with a small group of customers or one supplier. Watch fees, speed and support questions for a month. Then add more coins, more countries or more payment types.
Stablecoin payments are not magic, and they will not replace cards tomorrow. But for cross-border payments, supplier payouts and large orders, the case is getting stronger each quarter. Big names like Visa, Stripe and Mastercard are building it in. Australia and the EU are writing clearer rules.
The best move is simple. Pick one use. Choose a licensed partner. Test small. Then grow.
We design and build websites, mobile apps and business platforms for clients in Europe and around the world. If you want to add stablecoin payments to your platform, we build the part your customers and your team actually use:
A checkout with a stablecoin option next to card and bank transfer
Wallet connect and QR payments for your website or mobile app
Automatic payment status updates from your licensed payment partner
An admin dashboard, invoices and payment records
Fast, secure hosting and a clean launch
DevDeer Tech builds the software side. Your licensed payment partner handles the money side, and your lawyer confirms the rules for your country.
Ready to start? Visit devdeer.tech or email hello@devdeer.tech. Tell us your country, your use case and whether you need a website or a mobile app, and we will reply with a clear plan.
This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. I am not a lawyer or a financial adviser. Rules change often, so confirm the latest with a qualified professional and the regulator in your country.
Some figures come from industry blogs and news sites that quote data from other firms (Allium, EY, McKinsey, Fireblocks). Check the original reports before you use a number in a contract or a pitch.
Australia
Allens. "The rise of stablecoins: Australian regulatory developments and their global context." October 2025. https://www.allens.com.au/insights-news/insights/2025/10/the-rise-of-stablecoins-australian-regulatory-developments-and-their-global-context/
Investor Daily. "Token effort: Australia's 'GENIUS Act' unveiled." https://www.investordaily.com.au/markets/57944-token-effort-australia-s-genius-act-unveiled
The Block. "Australia passes bill requiring financial licenses for crypto platforms." 1 April 2026. https://www.theblock.co/post/396009/australia-passes-crypto-bill
4 Pillars Research. "Crypto regulation: Australia pushes ahead, Hong Kong holds back." https://research.4pillars.io/en/research/crypto-regulation-australia-pushes-ahead-hong-kong-holds-back
ASIC. "CS 32 Proposed relief for certain stablecoins and wrapped tokens and extension of omnibus accounts for digital asset custody" (includes ASIC Corporations (Stablecoin and Wrapped Token Relief) Instrument 2025/867). https://www.asic.gov.au/regulatory-resources/find-a-document/consultations/cs-32-proposed-relief-for-certain-stablecoins-and-wrapped-tokens-and-extension-of-omnibus-accounts-for-digital-asset-custody/
Stripe. "Stablecoin payments in Australia: What businesses need to know." https://stripe.com/au/resources/more/stablecoin-payments-in-australia
Transak. "The 2026 Guide to Crypto Regulation in Australia." https://transak.com/blog/australia-crypto-regulation-guide
ANZ Institutional. "Stablecoin, banks & the de-fi future." March 2022. https://www.anz.com/institutional/insights/articles/2022-03/stablecoin-banks-the-de-fi-future/
Solana Compass. "AUDD Digital." https://solanacompass.com/projects/audd-digital
European Union
Banxa. "MiCA" (glossary). Updated 2 August 2026. https://banxa.com/learn/glossary/mica
BlindPay. "MiCA stablecoin rules explained for payment companies." https://blindpay.com/resources/more/mica-stablecoin-rules-explained
Eco. "MiCA explained: EU's crypto regulation." https://eco.com/support/en/articles/14796305-mica-explained-eus-crypto-regulation
ForkLog. "Qivalis Secures License to Launch Euro Stablecoin Backed by 37 Banks." https://forklog.com/en/?p=105240
Cointelegraph. "Qivalis wins Dutch e-money license for euro stablecoin." October 2026. https://cointelegraph.com/news/qivalis-authorization-dutch-central-bank-euro-stablecoin
Ledger Insights. "Qivalis stablecoin consortium secures Dutch EMI license." https://www.ledgerinsights.com/qivalis-stablecoin-consortium-secures-dutch-emi-license/
Cointelegraph. "Euro stablecoin project Qivalis adds 25 banks ahead of launch." 20 May 2026. https://regional-front.cointelegraph.com/news/qivalis-euro-stablecoin-consortium-adds-25-banks
The Block. "European bank consortium targets 2026 launch for euro-backed stablecoin: report." 2 March 2026. https://www.theblock.co/post/391770/european-bank-consortium-targets-2026-launch-for-euro-backed-stablecoin-report
Market and business use
Visa. "Visa Data Shows Stablecoins Gaining Traction in Business Payments." 1 October 2026. https://investor.visa.com/news/news-details/2026/Visa-Data-Shows-Stablecoins-Gaining-Traction-in-Business-Payments/default.aspx
KuCoin News. "Mastercard, Visa, Stripe Expand Stablecoin Payment Services as Usage Grows" (cites Allium data). https://www.kucoin.com/news/flash/mastercard-visa-stripe-expand-stablecoin-payment-services-as-usage-grows
Spark. "Stablecoin Market Cap Tracker." August 2026 data. https://www.spark.money/tools/stablecoin-market-cap-tracker
CryptoRank. "Stablecoins and Crypto Payments Digest" (July 2026 highlights). https://cryptorank.io/insights/reports/stablecoins-and-crypto-payments-digest
Tazapay. "Stablecoin Payments for Global Businesses: The Complete 2026 Guide" (cites EY-Parthenon, June 2025). https://tazapay.com/guides/stablecoin-payments-guide-global-businesses
Gr4vy. "Stablecoin payments for merchants: what payment teams need to know in 2026." https://gr4vy.com/posts/stablecoin-payments-for-merchants-what-payment-teams-need-to-know-in-2026/
FinTech Futures. "Is 2026 a make-or-break year for stablecoins?" (cites McKinsey). https://www.fintechfutures.com/blockchain-crypto-digital-assets/is-2026-a-make-or-break-year-for-stablecoins
World Bank. "Remittance Prices Worldwide, Issue 53, March 2025." https://remittanceprices.worldbank.org/sites/default/files/rpw_main_report_and_annex_q125_1_0.pdf
BitPay. "The Top Stablecoin Payment Use Cases for Businesses & Organizations in 2026." https://www.bitpay.com/resources/stablecoin-use-cases-for-business
Dwellir. "Enterprise stablecoin infrastructure" (cites Fireblocks and EY surveys). https://www.dwellir.com/blog/enterprise-stablecoin-infrastructure
You pay with a digital coin that is built to hold a steady price, such as one coin for one US dollar or one euro. The money moves from one wallet to another, often within minutes, at any hour of the day.
Yes, but the rules are still being updated. Platforms that hold digital assets for customers need an AFS licence under the law passed on 1 April 2026 [3]. AUSTRAC registration applies to digital asset businesses [7]. The stablecoin-specific rules are still being finished through Treasury's payments licence plan [1][2]. Check with a lawyer for your case.
Yes. MiCA has set the rules for stablecoin issuers since 30 June 2024 [10]. Use coins from compliant issuers and work with licensed service providers.
No. Bitcoin's price moves a lot. A stablecoin is built to stay near one currency, such as the dollar or the euro.
It depends on your setup. The rules mostly target firms that issue, hold or exchange coins for other people [3][10]. A business that only accepts payments through a licensed provider may need less, but your case can differ. Ask a lawyer before you launch.
If you sell in the EU, a euro coin such as EURC, or another coin from a MiCA-compliant issuer, is a safe place to start [11]. If you sell in Australia, look at an AUD coin or a widely used dollar coin through a licensed provider. Choose coins with a regulated issuer and clear reserve reports.
Payments often land within minutes, even on weekends. Network fees can be less than one cent [26], but on-ramp and off-ramp fees still apply. Savings are best on larger payments, above about US$1,500 [22].
Rules can change, fees at the edges can eat your saving, wallet mistakes cannot be reversed, and not every coin holds its price equally well. A licensed partner and small test payments reduce most of these risks.
Yes, but start with one use, such as paying overseas suppliers. Stablecoins work best for cross-border and high-value payments, not for small local sales [23].
It depends on what you need: a simple checkout button, a full admin dashboard, or a mobile app. Fees from your payment partner are separate. Contact us at hello@devdeer.tech with your use case and we will give you a clear estimate.