Key Highlights
- Digital payment tokens achieved $7.2 trillion in adjusted February volume, exceeding the ACH network’s $6.8 trillion monthly total.
- Artemis compiled these figures using 30-day rolling adjusted volume calculations, removing MEV activity and centralized exchange internal transfers.
- March volume for stablecoins climbed to $7.5 trillion, matching ACH network totals for that timeframe.
- Aggregate stablecoin supply expanded to $315 billion during Q1 2026, based on CEX.IO reporting.
- These digital assets represented 75% of all cryptocurrency trading activity throughout the quarter.
Blockchain-based payment tokens recorded higher transaction volumes than the United States Automated Clearing House system during February, based on information from Artemis. The adjusted 30-day rolling calculation showed $7.2 trillion in activity, compared with $6.8 trillion handled by the ACH network over the same timeframe. This milestone represents the first occasion these digital assets have outpaced the ACH system in aggregate transaction value.
Artemis compiled these metrics using adjusted rolling 30-day volumes denominated in US dollars. The analytics platform removed MEV-related activity and internal transfers between centralized exchange wallets. These refined totals were then benchmarked against daily average volumes from established financial infrastructure systems.
Digital Payment Tokens Eclipse ACH Monthly Processing
Artemis documentation reveals that stablecoins registered $7.2 trillion in adjusted activity throughout February. Meanwhile, the ACH network handled $6.8 trillion during the identical 30-day measurement window. The ACH system functions as the primary infrastructure for electronic payments across the United States. Nacha statistics indicate this network processes approximately 93% of American salary disbursements.
Subsequent Artemis tracking shows March stablecoin volume climbing to $7.5 trillion. This amount equaled the ACH network’s performance across the matching 30-day span. These metrics demonstrate consistent expansion for stablecoins relative to established platforms including Visa and PayPal. Market observers maintain ongoing monitoring of these monthly rolling calculations for additional comparative analysis.
Analyst Alex Obchakevich commented on this development through an X platform post. He observed, “Stablecoins are quietly becoming the foundational infrastructure for global payments: no banks, no weekends, no borders.” His commentary accompanied the February transaction data release. The observation emphasized the continuous availability and rapid settlement of blockchain-powered value transfers.
Token Supply Expands Alongside Growing Institutional Participation
CEX.IO documentation shows aggregate stablecoin supply climbing to $315 billion throughout Q1 2026. This represents an $8 billion increase compared with the corresponding quarter in 2025. Supply expansion occurred alongside elevated usage patterns across trading venues and payment infrastructure. Historical market data confirms continuous growth since 2020.
These digital assets comprised 75% of aggregate cryptocurrency trading volume during the quarter. This proportion established a new record high based on previous reporting. Data tracking shows total supply advancing from under $30 billion in 2020 to above $300 billion by 2026. These statistics chronicle the swift expansion of this asset category over a six-year period.
Frank Chaparro, content director at GSR, addressed this trajectory in a recent publication. He indicated that banking institutions or fintech companies face obsolescence if they disregard this sector’s momentum. Chaparro referenced the GENIUS Act as regulatory framework that has facilitated institutional participation. Standard Chartered analysts forecasted total stablecoin market capitalization potentially reaching $2 trillion by 2028, representing expansion exceeding 530% from present valuations.
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