Bill Zielke, Chief Revenue Officer at BitPay, the world’s provider of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency payment services, has shared key insights with CI on how stablecoins are gaining traction and how they can be leveraged to enhance operations. While stablecoins are typically affiliated with the broader sector of crypto, the concept is more akin to an update to the payments and transfer system. If expectations hold, stablecoins will enable a future of near immediate transfers, at a lower cost, providing a safer environment for moving value.
Our conversation with Zielke is shared below.
Crowdfund Insider: Why are stablecoins gaining momentum as a reliable, lower-cost option for cross-border transactions?
Bill Zielke: Stablecoins have always offered a compelling mix of speed, cost-efficiency, and ease of use for cross-border transactions. But what’s driving momentum now is broader crypto maturity.
As assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum gain mainstream traction, stablecoins are benefiting from the halo effect. At the same time, the infrastructure has caught up. Today, there’s an abundance of payment processors and partners making stablecoin integration simple for businesses.
At BitPay, we’re seeing this shift firsthand. In 2023, stablecoins accounted for 23% of our transaction volume. That number rose to 34% in Q1 2025, and we expect continued growth, potentially growing 10–15% in the next year. Regional preferences vary. USDC leads in the U.S., while USDT is gaining ground in Europe. We currently support 15 stablecoins across multiple blockchains and will continue expanding support to give merchants greater flexibility and reach.
Crowdfund Insider: What are some of the advantages of using stablecoins and other cryptocurrencies to reduce fees, eliminate chargebacks, and reach international customers more efficiently?
Bill Zielke: One of the biggest advantages of stablecoins is global accessibility. Anyone with an internet connection can send or receive payments, regardless of local banking infrastructure or financial restrictions.
For businesses, stablecoins also eliminate some of the headaches tied to traditional payments. There are no chargebacks, fewer intermediaries, and transactions can settle faster, often within minutes, and at any time of day. That’s especially important for our B2B clients who need to move funds quickly and operate outside the constraints of banking hours.
At BitPay, we see businesses turning to stablecoins not just for savings on fees, but for the flexibility and efficiency they offer across borders and time zones.
Crowdfund Insider: What does this growing focus on stablecoin networks mean for the future of business payments and merchant adoption?
Bill Zielke: The growing focus on stablecoin networks signals a major shift in how businesses think about payments. Stablecoins offer lower transaction fees and faster settlement, which can significantly reduce operating costs and improve cash flow, especially for companies making frequent or high-volume payments.
Because stablecoins run on decentralized networks, they work around the clock. That’s a game-changer for global businesses no longer limited by banking hours or traditional finance systems.
For merchants, accepting stablecoins also means tapping into a new generation of customers. Crypto users are typically younger, more digitally fluent, and tend to spend more per transaction compared to traditional shoppers.
As adoption continues to rise, we expect stablecoin usage to rival other top cryptocurrencies used by BitPay merchants within the next 12 to 18 months.
Crowdfund Insider: How do regulatory developments around stablecoins impact their adoption for cross-border transactions, and what should businesses be aware of as they navigate this evolving landscape?
Bill Zielke: Uncertainty around regulation has historically slowed the adoption of stablecoins for cross-border payments, particularly for risk-averse businesses. Without clear legal frameworks, many companies hesitated to integrate crypto into their operations.
But that landscape is changing. In the European Union, the introduction of Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) provides a structured regulatory foundation for crypto assets, including stablecoins.
Meanwhile, in the United States, there are encouraging signals from policymakers suggesting a more unified regulatory approach could be on the way. These shifts should offer businesses greater confidence to explore stablecoins as a reliable tool for global payments and settlements.
Aside from the regulatory environment, businesses need to be selective about the stablecoins they use. Not all are created equal. It’s important to rely on assets backed by transparent, well-established issuers that have a track record of compliance and market resilience. USDT, PYUSD, and EURC are three well-recognized stablecoins.
Choosing a reputable payments partner is equally critical. Look for providers who are deeply rooted in fintech, comply with local regulations, and offer ongoing support.
Finally, staying informed is essential. The crypto industry moves fast. New regulations, technologies, and market dynamics can emerge overnight. Businesses should design operational and technical systems to be flexible, and work with partners who can help them navigate change, remain compliant, and respond to the latest developments with confidence.
Crowdfund Insider: In what ways can stablecoins improve financial inclusion for businesses and consumers in emerging markets where traditional banking infrastructure may be limited?
Bill Zielke: In regions where traditional banking systems fall short, stablecoins are emerging as a practical and scalable solution for financial inclusion.
For consumers, stablecoins turn an internet connection into a gateway to the financial system. With just a smartphone, individuals can store, send, and receive value, all without a bank account.
This is particularly impactful in countries facing high inflation or limited access to financial services. In places like Nigeria, India, and Argentina, where BitPay Wallet usage is strong, stablecoins provide an alternative to local currencies and systems. They also make it easier and cheaper to send remittances, cutting out high fees and long wait times associated with traditional money transfer services.
For families relying on remittances or small merchants trying to pay international suppliers, stablecoins reduce friction and unlock access to tools once limited to the traditionally banked.
On the business side, stablecoins simplify cross-border payments. Companies can send funds to suppliers or employees anywhere in the world, with fewer intermediaries and faster settlement. They’re especially useful for global payroll in regions with currency volatility.
There’s also a rising opportunity through decentralized finance. Many DeFi lending and borrowing platforms are powered by stablecoins, giving entrepreneurs and small businesses access to capital and financial tools they might not get through traditional channels.
Crowdfund Insider: What are some of the key challenges or risks businesses should consider when integrating stablecoin-based solutions into their cross-border payment strategies?
Bill Zielke: One of the biggest challenges businesses face when adopting stablecoin-based payment solutions is choosing the right partner. Most organizations don’t have the technical resources to build or manage their own payments infrastructure, so success depends heavily on finding a provider that can deliver compliance, operational efficiency, seamless integration, and long-term support.
Start with compliance. Ask for proof of licensing and regulatory status such as MTL, BitLicense, or MiCA. Ensure your provider follows robust anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer/business (KYC/B) practices, and has systems in place to screen wallet addresses and mitigate exposure to illicit activity.
Operational fit is just as important. How long has the provider been active in the payments space? What does settlement look like? How quickly will you receive funds, and will that be in fiat or stablecoins? Will you need to manage your own wallet?
Integration should also be carefully evaluated. Ask about available APIs or plugins, how exceptions like refunds or overpayments are handled, and how the solution can scale with your business.
Finally, consider post-integration support. Will the provider help with onboarding, marketing, or co-promotion? Is there a dedicated point of contact to keep you updated on regulatory and technical changes?
Businesses entering the stablecoin payments space should approach it with the same diligence they would apply to any new partner. At BitPay, we’ve compiled a workbook of 50 questions to help organizations vet providers effectively as this ecosystem continues to grow and evolve.