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Who drives the stablecoin market: Issuance by Circle, distribution by Coinbase

Institutional finance payment infrastructure is shifting from correspondent banking-led structures to stablecoin networks, with key functions concentrated among a handful of firms. Stablecoin market capitalisation rose to $317.89 billion in April 2026 from about $125 billion in early 2024, while 2025 transfer volume reached $33 trillion. USDC led institutional payments. Issuance centres on Circle and Paxos, distribution on Coinbase and Wintermute, and custody on Fireblocks and exchange cold wallets.