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Swyftx
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- DeepHorus
AI-enabled microbusinesses could significantly boost stablecoin transaction volumes, according to a second-quarter industry report from Australian crypto exchange Swyftx. The report projects that by 2033, AI-native workers could drive $262 billion in stablecoin settlement volume within the expanding gig economy. This growth is fueled by the increasing adoption of AI by solo entrepreneurs and freelancers who operate across borders and require efficient payment rails.
The global gig and freelance payments market is expanding rapidly, with Swyftx estimating it could reach $2.1 trillion by 2033. AI-native workers are expected to account for $775 billion of that total. Stablecoins have emerged as a clear indicator of payment utility demand, with their market cap doubling over the past two years and hitting a record $1.79 trillion in transaction volume in June 2024.
Swyftx's base-case model assumes a stablecoin adoption rate of roughly 33% among AI-native workers. The report highlights that the very smallest firmsâthose with fewer than five employeesâare now among the fastest-moving in AI adoption, creating a new class of solo entrepreneurs. These workers number between six and ten million globally today but are projected to grow to 17 million over the next decade.
Using stablecoins for cross-border payments offers significant cost savings. Traditional rails charge high fees and have multiday settlement windows, while stablecoin transfers on Ethereum layer-2 networks can cut fees by 80% to 90%. Swyftx estimates the average freelancer could save about 86% per year in transfer fees, translating to thousands of dollars annually.
Pav Hundal, lead market analyst at Swyftx, stated, 'Adoption doesnât happen just because the technology exists. It happens when the economics are compelling, and the rules are clear. For stablecoins, both of those conditions are now falling into place.' He added that solo founders are particularly sensitive to remittance and transaction fees, making stablecoins a compelling option.
The implications extend beyond direct payments. Swyftx suggests that if its projections materialize, the institutional settlement layerâencompassing over-the-counter liquidity, custody, and yield servicesâcould capture a new revenue stream of up to $1.3 billion by 2033, assuming total transaction, liquidity, and custody costs of 0.5%. Additionally, the agentic AI payment narrative could further drive stablecoin volume, as AI agents cannot obtain bank accounts and will likely rely on crypto assets for payments.
Looking ahead, the growth of AI-native solo entrepreneurs is expected to accelerate, with 17 million projected by 2033. Stablecoins are poised to become a critical infrastructure for this workforce, offering speed, low cost, and global accessibility. As regulatory clarity improves and economic benefits become clear, stablecoin adoption in the gig economy could represent a major shift in how cross-border payments are settled.
