‘iPhone Moment’ For Stablecoin Market, Which Issuer Will Dominate?

Stablecoin market momentum is building fast as Circle (USDC) CEO Jeremy Allaire describes an incoming iPhone moment for the sector.

This signals a shift where digital dollars could become a normal part of daily transactions.

With new partnerships, regulatory changes, and competitive pressure rising, the race for dominance among stablecoin issuers is heating up.

The Stablecoin – iPhone Moment Still in View

The stablecoin conversation shifted when Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire posted on X, comparing the future of the market to the rise of smartphones in the early 2000s.

His remark came just two days after Shopify and Coinbase launched the Commerce Payments Protocol.

The system allows merchants to accept USDC on the Base network, cutting settlement times and costs.

It also includes a smart escrow design that can reduce inventory and refund issues for sellers.

It is worth noting that Allaire connected the announcement to larger industry momentum.

Reports indicate that Walmart and Amazon are looking to create their stablecoins, a sign of the positive momentum driving the market.

Their involvement would bring enormous reach and help push stablecoins into everyday financial tools.

Legislative support also plays a key role. The GENIUS Act, set for a crucial vote in the U.S. Senate this week, introduces clear guidelines for stablecoin issuance.

That clarity could speed up adoption. Allaire also noted Coinbase’s new 5% bitcoin-backed loan service as another sign that programmable money is gaining traction.

Notably, Circle’s own USDC, already with $62 billion in circulation, is a major player, but the market remains open.

USDC Issuer Ramps Global Partnership

Interestingly, Circle is not waiting for others to catch up. On June 11, 2025, the company partnered with Matera, a leading fintech company in Brazil.

The goal is to embed USDC into Brazil’s core banking infrastructure using Matera’s Digital Twin ledger system.

This would allow Brazilian users to hold and transact in both U.S. dollars and Brazilian reals in real time, doing all inside banking apps.

Allaire confirmed the partnership on X the next day, calling it a major step toward mainstream adoption.

In April, Circle filed for an IPO with a valuation goal of $5.65 billion, planning to raise $624 million.

The funds would support expansion efforts as stablecoin demand increases. Brazil’s new pro-stablecoin regulations are already helping.

Allaire is showing particular excitement about the opportunity to connect digital assets with traditional banking systems.

Other Stablecoin Issuers To Watch: Tether, Ripple, and the Banks

It is worth noting that the stablecoin race continues to heat up with fresh moves from different players in the industry. Notably, Tether remains the biggest Stablecoin.

CoinMarketCap data shows that Tether has over $155.53 billion in market capitalization.

Tether recently announced a strategic investment partnership with Latin American crypto exchange Orionx to boost stablecoin adoption and digital payments.

Still, Ripple’s RLUSD, launched in December 2024, has a market cap of $405.71 million and is positioning itself as another major player.

It is important to add that the DFSA approved Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin for use in the DIFC.

Meanwhile, prominent firms like Walmart and Amazon are also testing the waters, with reports indicating they are exploring stablecoins to reduce credit card fees.

The race for stablecoin dominance is not uncommon as the broader market is anticipating major regulatory shifts across the globe.

In no time, more mainstream banks may also join the stablecoin dominance trend. This may further help boost consumer confidence.