Institutional demand for crypto assets continues to reshape the market, while businesses increasingly adopt stablecoins for payments and settlements. The shift reflects a broader change in how companies view digital assets, according to Konstantins Vasilenko, co-founder of crypto on-ramp provider Paybis.
In a recent interview with HODL FM, Vasilenko described a growing divide between retail participation and corporate adoption. Retail interest shows steady but moderate growth, while companies move faster toward stablecoin infrastructure.
Businesses move toward stablecoins for global payments
Paybis began operations more than a decade ago with a simple goal: help users buy crypto easily. The company launched during the early Bitcoin era, when the process required forums, peer-to-peer marketplaces, and technical knowledge.
"It was the time when me and my friend and our co we started a company and back in the days the goal was to make it easy and simple to buy crypto," Vasilenko said.
Retail users still represent a major part of the company’s ecosystem. Paybis offers wallet access and crypto purchase options through partners such as Trust Wallet and Phantom Wallet.
The company now focuses heavily on business clients. According to Vasilenko, corporate transactions create much larger volumes than retail purchases.
Businesses often move funds worth hundreds of thousands of euros per transfer. Retail users typically purchase around a few hundred dollars worth of crypto.
Many companies also view stablecoins as an alternative to traditional international banking rails.
"It’s much easier and faster to pay them in stable coin instead of sending a swift payment," Vasilenko said.
Stablecoin payments often settle within seconds. Traditional bank transfers can require one or two days.
Fintech companies, payment institutions, and electronic money institutions form the core of Paybis’ business client base. These firms process global transactions and must settle payments across multiple currencies.
Stablecoins simplify that process.
Regulation reshapes the European crypto market
European regulation plays a major role in the next phase of crypto adoption.
The Markets in Crypto-Assets framework, known as MiCA, introduces stricter licensing requirements for companies that operate in the sector.
According to Vasilenko, thousands of crypto firms previously operated under lighter registration frameworks.
"I think only 5% of those companies will get MiCA maybe 10 maximum," he said.
The new rules require detailed compliance processes. Regulators request operational plans, risk management systems, and contingency procedures similar to those used by banks.
The goal centers on trust.
"Regulation helps adoption it helps adoption a lot," Vasilenko said.
He compared the evolution of crypto regulation with earlier tech disruptions. Services such as Uber and Airbnb also entered markets without clear rules before governments introduced new frameworks.
Stablecoin compliance also remains a central issue.
USDC receives broader regulatory support in Europe due to transparency requirements. Regulators want stablecoin reserves stored within jurisdictions they supervise.
Institutional demand shapes the market cycle
Institutional investors dominate the current crypto cycle.
Bitcoin outperformed most altcoins during the past year. The trend differs from earlier cycles that saw large rallies across smaller tokens.
"Bitcoin outperformed all of the altcoins," Vasilenko said.
The situation has reduced enthusiasm for speculative tokens.
According to him, many projects release new tokens from long-term investor allocations. These unlock schedules increase selling pressure in weak markets.
Trust also plays a role.
"Maybe five or 10% of all the crypto projects out there are actually there's something real behind it not just promises," Vasilenko said.
He compared the situation with the early internet era. Many companies disappeared after the dot-com bubble burst. Only a few survived and built lasting businesses.
The crypto market may follow a similar path.
Projects that provide real utility may remain after speculative hype fades.
Retail adoption grows steadily
Retail participation in crypto has not disappeared. However, the growth pattern appears gradual rather than explosive.
Paybis records steady monthly inflows of new users. The company sees no sudden surge in retail interest.
Businesses show a different trend. Financial institutions and payment companies show a stronger urgency to adopt stablecoins.
"They don't want to become a Nokia another Nokia or another Skype because they didn't believe in that," Vasilenko said.
Many firms now explore stablecoin settlement for cross-border transactions.
Stablecoins may become standard financial tools
Stablecoins may soon integrate into everyday banking products.
Vasilenko expects financial apps to list stablecoins alongside traditional currencies within the next five years.
Banks, payment providers, and financial platforms may treat them as another digital payment rail.
"I think in five years if you open something like Revolut or some kind of online banking you will just see Euro dollar USDC," he said.
The shift could mark a major step in crypto adoption. Stablecoins may bridge the gap between blockchain networks and traditional finance.
For many businesses, that transition has already begun.
Tanya Petrusenko
Disclaimer: All materials on this site are for informational purposes only. None of the material should be interpreted as investment advice. Please note that despite the nature of much of the material created and hosted on this website, HODL FM is not a financial reference resource, and the opinions of authors and other contributors are their own and should not be taken as financial advice. If you require advice. HODL FM strongly recommends contacting a qualified industry professional.
