Galaxy Stablecoin Prediction Sees ACH Overtaken in 2026

The most recent Galaxy stablecoin prediction shows that in 2026, the stablecoins may surpass the US Automated Clearing House (ACH) system in transaction volume, which would be a significant turning point in the history of digital payments. It is predicted that the use of blockchain-based dollar tokens is increasingly gaining momentum towards mainstream financial infrastructure, as both usage and regulatory clarity increase.

This prediction was conducted by Galaxy Research, the research branch of Galaxy Digital, which has been studying the data of transactions and regulatory developments that define the stablecoin market. The report states that the stablecoins are already functioning at a scale that competes with conventional payment networks, creating a path to the possible replacement of the ACH volumes in the next two years.

Stablecoin Transaction Volumes Already Challenge ACH

The new Galaxy stablecoin prediction highlighted the rapid increase in the use of stablecoins. According to Galaxy Research, the transactions in the stablecoin are already larger than the big credit card networks like Visa, and now and already process approximately half the transaction volume of the automated clearing house (ACH) system.

This information highlights the transition of experimental crypto payments to massive financial settlement tools. According to Thad Pinakiewicz, the vice president of research at Galaxy, the supply of stablecoins has stayed steady with a compound annual growth rate of 30% to 40%, and the volume of transactions has increased with the issuance. This consistent growth rate is the foundation of Galaxy, expecting that the stablecoins will overtake ACH transaction volume in 2026.

Regulatory Clarity Strengthens the Galaxy Stablecoin Prediction

The Galaxy prediction heavily relies on regulation. The report mentioned the expected adoption of formal definitions with the implementation of the GENIUS Act in early 2026 as a key catalyst to further adoption. A well-defined regulatory environment would allow banks, fintech firms, and businesses to include stablecoins in payment and settlement protocols with increased confidence. As compliance issues are reduced, stablecoins can be used more extensively in payroll, corporate payments, and domestic transfers traditionally controlled by ACH.

Bitcoin Forecast Adds Broader Digital Asset Context

In addition to stablecoins, Galaxy Research also shared its predictions for the price of Bitcoin (BTC). Alex Thorn, Galaxy Research head of firmwide research, stated 2026 is “too chaotic to predict, though Bitcoin making new all-time highs in 2026 is still possible.” The report further predicted that Bitcoin could hit $250,000 by the end of 2027, as Galaxy had a more general outlook that digital assets will keep gaining institutional relevance as stablecoin-based payments are increasingly adopted.

Stablecoin Market Reaches $309 Billion

The Galaxy stablecoin prediction is also supported by market data. As per the estimates provided by DefiLlama, the market capitalization of all stablecoins stands at about $309 billion. Although USDt (USDT) by Tether and the USDC (USDC) by Circle are still at the top, more traditional financial institutions are becoming involved in the stablecoin space.

In October, Western Union said it would introduce its own dollar-pegged stablecoin, the US Dollar Payment Token. The token will be constructed on the Solana blockchain and be issued by the Anchorage Digital Bank as a part of a larger network of digital asset settlement.

Banks and Fintech Firms Expand Stablecoin Offerings

The other key actors are also planning launches. The Sony Bank is allegedly working on a US dollar-pegged stablecoin to be used in the entire Sony ecosystem in the US, such as PlayStation games, subscriptions, and anime content, and is scheduled to launch in 2026.

On Thursday, SoFi Technologies also introduced a fully reserved US dollar stablecoin called SoFiUSD, which is offered by SoFi Bank. The token was launched on Ethereum, and it is aimed at assisting low-cost settlement among banks, fintech companies, and enterprise platforms.

Consolidation Expected Among TradFi Stablecoins

Galaxy Research associate Jianing Wu believes that TradFi-partnered stablecoins will consolidate in 2026. She observed that users and merchants will not use many digital dollars but will prefer using one or two with the “broadest acceptance.” This consolidation may further lead to the concentration of transaction activity and the trend highlighted in the Galaxy prediction.

Conclusion: Galaxy Stablecoin Prediction Sees ACH Overtaken

The recent Galaxy stablecoin prediction anticipates that ACH will be surpassed in 2026 as more people adopt stablecoins, regulatory progress continues, and institutions become increasingly involved. Having already reached transaction volumes comparable to those of conventional payment systems, the Galaxy research suggests a structural change in US payments that may forever alter the way money flows in the digital economy.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments are highly volatile and risky. Always conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.