## Stablecoins Dominate Institutional Crypto OTC Trading A new report by Finery Markets reveals that stablecoins accounted for a staggering 74.6% of institutional cryptocurrency over-the-counter (OTC) spot trading in the first half of 2025. This represents a significant jump from 46% in 2024 and 23% in 2023, indicating a growing preference for stablecoins among institutional investors. ## Surge in Stablecoin Trading Volume The overall institutional OTC spot trading volume increased by 112.6% year-on-year, with the number of transactions up by 57.6%. Notably, stablecoin trading volume soared by 154%, and cryptocurrency-stablecoin trading volume saw an impressive 277.4% increase. This far outpaces the 48.5% growth in OTC trading volume between cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies. Circle's USDC experienced a remarkable 29-fold year-on-year increase in OTC trading volume, potentially fueled by the EU's MiCA regulation. ## Risks of Increased Stablecoin Issuance Finery Markets CEO Konstantin Shulga warns that the rise in stablecoin issuers carries systemic risks. He emphasizes the need for expanded liquidity in the secondary market to mitigate potential depegging events and their widespread consequences. The dominance of stablecoins in institutional crypto trading highlights their importance but also underscores the need for robust regulatory frameworks. ```

#USDC