WTO: Fragmented regulation hinders stablecoin adoption in international finance

Juan Marchetti, Director of the Trade in Services and Investment Division at the World Trade Organization (WTO), stated that the limited adoption of stablecoins in international trade is primarily due to regulatory fragmentation rather than technical barriers. Citing a Financial Stability Board report from October 2025, the WTO noted that only 11 out of 28 surveyed jurisdictions have finalized stablecoin regulatory frameworks. Although stablecoins could address friction points such as high costs, slow speeds, and limited access, they currently account for only 3% of total international payments.