#数字资产市场动态 The stablecoin market size has surpassed $310 billion, with an annual growth rate approaching 70%—sounds like good news, but the real game-changing shifts are hidden behind these numbers.

The issue isn't the size itself, but the underlying logic of stablecoin usage is quietly reversing. Previously, retail investors used it for short-term trading; now, institutional players are using it differently—cross-border settlements, B2B corporate payments, supply chain finance. What does this mean? Stablecoins are transforming into "the US dollar of the crypto world," with true value residing in circulation, not in trading pairs. Are you still arbitraging the USDT/USDC premium? Others are already paving the highway—this gap is not trivial.

There's also a severely underestimated risk: USDT holding 80% of the market share may seem "safe," but it's actually the biggest hidden danger. High concentration in a single asset means what? Once a black swan event triggers, liquidity can evaporate instantly, and your USDT could suddenly turn into "digital IOUs." Even more concerning, traditional financial institutions are quietly integrating into the crypto ecosystem. Once they set the rules, the game in the crypto world will be completely rewritten.

A real case that left a deep impression: I know a mining boss who last year converted all mining profits into USDC, thinking it was "a prudent investment." But what happened? This year, his cross-border payments are all settled in USDC, saving 80% on fees and cleverly bypassing some traditional financial barriers. His current motto is "Trading coins is less effective than using coins"—this phrase sounds light, but it reflects a deep shift in the entire ecosystem.

So how should retail investors respond? Here are three suggestions:

First, don't treat stablecoins as a savings account. Holding them for more than three months requires considering your risk tolerance, as variables can appear at any time.

Second, change your mindset. Learn from institutional strategies—study how stablecoins are used in actual payments and cross-border transfers; this is where long-term value lies. The future of crypto isn't in trading, but in circulation.

Third, diversify your holdings. No matter how optimistic you are about USDT or USDC, don't put all your eggs in one basket. Multi-chain and multi-asset configurations are essential.

There are no permanent safe harbors in the crypto market—only a keen sense of trends and respect for risks. Adjusting your mindset early might be the key to getting out ahead.