FIS Research: Banks Hold the Key to Stablecoin Adoption
MWN-AI** Summary
FIS's recent research highlights the critical role that traditional banks can play in enhancing stablecoin adoption among American consumers. The survey of 1,000 respondents revealed that nearly 75% would be willing to try stablecoins if offered by their primary bank, in stark contrast to only 3.6% who expressed comfort with unregulated providers. This data reflects a significant trust gap favoring established financial institutions, as consumers are looking for the reliability and security that banks traditionally provide.
The research noted that over two-thirds of participants experienced payment issues in the past six months, which has led to heightened interest in alternative payment methods. A staggering 70.8% indicated they would switch payment methods to alleviate their payment frustrations. Despite this enthusiasm, there are notable knowledge gaps—42% of consumers fear volatility in stablecoins, and 52.7% believe they need to see at least half of merchants accept digital currencies before considering adoption.
Trust remains a central theme, with 53.9% of respondents viewing bank-issued stablecoins positively. A strong majority also support regulatory oversight akin to traditional payment methods, while 66.3% believe that FDIC-style insurance would boost their willingness to use stablecoins. The survey additionally highlighted the importance of merchant acceptance, as many consumers require a broad acceptance base to feel comfortable adopting this form of currency.
The findings underscore that while there is robust consumer interest in the benefits of stablecoins—including lower fees and instant transfers—education is essential to bridge knowledge gaps and alleviate security concerns. As banks seek to innovate, FIS’s research suggests they have a golden opportunity to lead the stablecoin market by addressing consumer trust and regulatory expectations effectively.
MWN-AI** Analysis
The recent FIS research underscores the pivotal role that banks can play in fostering consumer adoption of stablecoins. Nearly 75% of surveyed consumers expressed willingness to try stablecoins if offered through their primary banks, highlighting a significant trust advantage that established financial institutions hold over unregulated providers—only 3.6% of respondents are comfortable with the latter.
Despite evident consumer interest in the benefits of stablecoins—such as instant settlements and lower transaction fees—knowledge gaps and concerns regarding regulation and potential volatility remain substantial. A notable 42% of respondents believe stablecoins may exhibit price volatility, and 52.7% require merchant acceptance of digital currency for serious consideration of its usage. This indicates that while the interest is present, further education and regulatory assurance are necessary to alleviate misconceptions around the stability and utility of these digital assets.
Furthermore, the survey revealed that 67.6% of consumers experienced payment issues within the last six months, which drives interest in alternative solutions. The ability to provide seamless payment experiences could be a defining factor for banks looking to integrate stablecoin services into their offerings. Given that 70.8% are willing to switch payment methods to resolve frustrations, traditional banks can capture this demand by leveraging their established networks and reputation for security.
In summary, banks are uniquely positioned to champion the stablecoin narrative, melding consumer trust with innovative digital solutions. Financial institutions should proactively address knowledge gaps through educational campaigns and considerations of regulatory frameworks akin to traditional banking methods. By doing so, they can unlock the potential of stablecoins and expand their offerings to meet the evolving needs of consumers in a digital economy.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
Research Highlights
- New research conducted by FIS revealed that nearly 75% of surveyed consumers would try stablecoins if offered by their bank, while only 3.6% feel comfortable with unregulated providers.
- More than two-thirds of respondents experienced payment problems in the past six months, with 70.8% willing to switch payment methods to solve their concerns.
- Despite strong interest in stablecoin features, knowledge gaps persist: 42% believe stablecoins may be volatile, and 52.7% require at least half of all merchants to accept digital currency before they'd consider using it themselves.
FIS ® (NYSE: FIS), a global leader in financial technology, today released new research revealing that traditional banks are well positioned to bring stablecoins to American consumers. Nearly three-quarters (74.8%) of survey respondents would be open to trying digital currency services if offered by their primary bank, compared to just 3.6% who would feel comfortable adopting from unregulated providers.
The research, based on a survey of 1,000 U.S. consumers, found widespread payment frustrations creating demand for alternatives. It also uncovered significant trust and knowledge gaps that established financial institutions appear positioned to address.
"The path to consumer stablecoin adoption runs directly through traditional banking," said Himal Makwana, global head of Corporate Strategy at FIS. "Banks have a unique opportunity to capture a market where 75% of consumers say they'd try digital currency if offered by their bank. Consumers are demanding the speed and efficiency of instant settlement, but only when wrapped in the trust and safeguards that traditional institutions provide."
Payment Friction Drives Consumer Interest
The research revealed persistent pain points in everyday payments that create openness to new solutions. More than two-thirds (67.6%) of surveyed consumers experienced at least one payment problem in the past six months, including slow processing for online purchases (41.9%), high fees for sending money to family and friends (35.3%) and card declines at checkout (30.2%).
These concerns translate into a willingness to experiment. 70.8% of respondents said they would consider switching payment methods to solve their most frustrating payment experience, and nearly nine in 10 (88%) find stablecoin features like instant transfers, lower fees and 24/7 availability appealing.
Trust Gap Favors Established Institutions
Despite strong interest in stablecoin capabilities, the research indicated U.S. consumer adoption hinges on trust and regulatory comfort. 53.9% of respondents view banks offering stablecoins as a positive development, and the majority want traditional financial safeguards applied to digital currency. Notably, 77.4% believe stablecoins should be regulated like traditional payment methods, and 66.3% say FDIC-style insurance would increase their likelihood of use.
Security and privacy concerns emerged as the top barriers to adoption (42.4% each), while nearly half (42%) of respondents expressed concern about value volatility. The latter finding reveals a potential misunderstanding of stablecoins' core value proposition that could be addressed through education.
Merchant Acceptance Critical to Scaling
Beyond trust and understanding, the research identified network effects as a major hurdle, as 52.7% of surveyed consumers require at least half of all merchants to accept digital currency before they would seriously consider using it themselves.
Peer-to-peer payments (45.1%) and online shopping (44.3%) emerged as the primary intended uses for stablecoins, while international money transfers, despite being the current strength of stablecoin infrastructure, attracted interest from only 11.9% of respondents.
"Stablecoins have demonstrated their value for cross-border transactions," said Jon Briggs, global head of Embedded Solutions and Money Movement at FIS. "Our research shows consumers are eager to apply those same benefits – instant settlement, lower fees, 24/7 availability – to domestic transactions. Tokenized deposits, a bank deposit-friendly variation of stablecoins, provide banks an opportunity to move quickly and safely to meet consumer demand while preserving their deposit base and leveraging network effects."
About the research: FIS conducted an online survey in October 2025 of 1,000 U.S. consumers aged 18+; employed fulltime; and across diverse regions, income levels and demographic backgrounds. The survey examined awareness, understanding, concerns and likelihood of adoption for stablecoins and digital payment methods. Results are selfreported and subject to standard limitations of survey research.
FIS is a financial technology company providing solutions to financial institutions, businesses, and developers. We unlock financial technology to the world across the money lifecycle underpinning the world’s financial system. Our people are dedicated to advancing the way the world pays, banks and invests, by helping our clients to confidently run, grow, and protect their businesses. Our expertise comes from decades of experience helping financial institutions and businesses of all sizes adapt to meet the needs of their customers by harnessing where reliability meets innovation in financial technology. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, FIS is a member of the Fortune 500® and the Standard & Poor’s 500® Index.
To learn more, visit www.fisglobal.com . Follow FIS on Facebook , LinkedIn and X .
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251111013779/en/
For More Information
Kim Snider
Senior Vice President
FIS Global Marketing and Communications
904.438.6278
kim.snider@fisglobal.com
FAQ**
How does Fidelity National Information Services Inc. FIS plan to leverage consumer trust in traditional banking to promote stablecoin adoption among the 75% of consumers willing to try digital currency services?
Considering the reported security and privacy concerns, what measures will Fidelity National Information Services Inc. FIS implement to address these barriers and educate consumers about stablecoins?
What specific strategies will Fidelity National Information Services Inc. FIS use to encourage merchant acceptance of stablecoins, given that over 52% of consumers require significant merchant participation for adoption?
In light of the survey findings, how does Fidelity National Information Services Inc. FIS intend to enhance consumer understanding around the volatility misconceptions associated with stablecoins to facilitate adoption?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Fidelity National Information Services Inc. (NYSE: FIS).
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