A change in the regulatory position of the US could fuel greater acceptance of cryptocurrencies
Citigroup analysts believe that blockchain technology could experience a major turning point in 2025, likening its potential breakthrough to the rapid mainstream adoption of ChatGPT. In a report released on April 23, Citi highlighted regulatory clarity—particularly in the US—as the key driver that could unlock large-scale adoption of stablecoins and broader blockchain integration across financial and public sectors.
According to the report, growing interest and involvement from traditional financial institutions, combined with a more supportive regulatory environment, are creating fertile ground for blockchain innovation. Citi forecasts that the global stablecoin market cap could soar to as high as $3.7 trillion by 2030 under an optimistic scenario, or settle around $1.6 trillion under a more conservative base case.
Interestingly, Citi predicts that the stablecoin landscape will remain largely dominated by US dollar-denominated assets. While stablecoins may play a central role in digital financial infrastructure within the US and other dollar-centric economies, Citi suggests that non-US jurisdictions are more likely to lean into central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) for domestic use. This divergence points to a potential global divide, where stablecoins serve as global settlement tools while CBDCs support local economic ecosystems.
Overall, the report reflects a growing consensus among major financial players that blockchain is moving beyond its speculative roots. If regulatory frameworks continue to mature—particularly in the US—2025 could mark the year blockchain tech becomes a mainstream fixture in global finance.
