Digital asset research firm Galaxy has issued a bold prediction that stablecoin transactions will surpass the US Automated Clearing House (ACH) network in total volume by 2026. The forecast signals a potential tipping point where blockchain-based dollar transfers could eclipse the traditional banking infrastructure that currently processes trillions in payroll and bill payments annually.
In a development that could fundamentally reshape the payments landscape, Galaxy's latest annual predictions report suggests that stablecoins are on track to process more transaction volume than America's ACH network as early as 2026—a milestone that would mark cryptocurrency's most significant encroachment into traditional finance territory yet.
The ACH network, operated by Nacha, serves as the backbone of the US banking system, processing everything from direct deposit paychecks to utility bill payments. In 2024, the system handled over 31 billion transactions worth approximately $80 trillion, making Galaxy's prediction particularly audacious.
Stablecoins—cryptocurrencies pegged to the US dollar—have experienced explosive growth over the past two years. Led by Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC), the stablecoin market has grown to represent over $200 billion in total value. More significantly, these digital assets are processing an increasing share of global payment volume, particularly in cross-border transactions and emerging markets where traditional banking infrastructure remains limited.
Galaxy's analysts point to several factors driving this anticipated shift. Stablecoins offer near-instantaneous settlement compared to ACH's multi-day clearing times, operate 24/7 rather than on banking hours, and provide significantly lower transaction costs for international transfers. Additionally, the programmability of blockchain-based payments enables automated business logic that traditional payment rails cannot match.
The prediction arrives amid growing regulatory clarity around stablecoins in the United States. Congressional leaders have signaled renewed commitment to passing comprehensive stablecoin legislation in 2025, which could provide the regulatory framework necessary for mainstream institutional adoption.
However, challenges remain. Stablecoins must overcome consumer inertia, establish clearer regulatory guidelines, and build user-friendly interfaces that match traditional banking convenience. Privacy concerns and the technical complexity of self-custody solutions also present barriers to mass adoption.
If Galaxy's forecast proves accurate, 2026 could represent a watershed moment—not just for cryptocurrency, but for the fundamental infrastructure of money movement itself. The implications would extend far beyond the crypto industry, forcing traditional financial institutions to accelerate their digital transformation or risk obsolescence in an increasingly blockchain-native economy.