Nearly three-quarters of screened stablecoin transfer volume occurred outside US banking hours, according to research released on 20 October by Coinbase and The Block Pro Research.
The finding covers the 12 months ending 31 July 2026. It illustrates how blockchain transfers operate across nights, weekends and bank holidays, although the measured activity includes automated transactions and should not be treated as consumer payments alone. assets.ctfassets.net
Key Takeaways
- The research found that 73% of screened transfer volume moved outside US banking hours.
- The figure measures transferred value, rather than transaction or customer counts.
- The dataset excludes transfers below $1, self-transfers, and token minting and burning.
- Automated activity remains included.
- Receiving stablecoins does not necessarily mean recipients can immediately withdraw local currency.
What the Research Measured
The Always-On Dollar research summary draws its time-of-day analysis from Dune Analytics.
Researchers examined stablecoin transfer value in 15-minute intervals. Their screening removed several categories of activity, but retained automated transactions. The methodology also identifies a volume spike corresponding to a common stablecoin settlement time at midnight UTC. coinbase.com
These details affect how the headline should be read. A large scheduled transfer can contribute more to the volume figure than thousands of smaller payments. The percentage therefore cannot establish how many individuals sent money outside banking hours.
Understanding how stablecoins work also helps explain the distinction between a token changing addresses and a recipient completing an everyday purchase.
Why Transfer Availability Matters
International businesses and families often need to move money across different working schedules. A supplier may require payment while the sender’s bank is closed, or a recipient may need funds during a weekend.
Stablecoin transfers can provide another route between compatible wallets. Their practical value, however, depends on the entire payment process.
For example, a recipient may receive tokens promptly but still need an exchange, payment provider or bank to convert and withdraw them. That final stage can introduce processing hours, verification requirements and additional charges.
UPay’s coverage of cross-border crypto remittances explains why network fees alone cannot establish the complete cost of sending money.
Transfer Volume Does Not Establish Payment Purpose
The full research report uses different datasets for different findings. Its time-of-day analysis includes automation, while a separate adjusted-volume measure applies additional exclusions. The figures should not be combined as though they describe identical activity. assets.ctfassets.net
Nor does a transfer timestamp reveal why the sender chose that moment. Activity outside US banking hours may reflect international time zones, automated settlement schedules or other operational needs.
The result demonstrates substantial activity during those hours. Establishing that bank closures caused the activity would require further evidence.
What Businesses Still Need to Assess
Availability is one consideration alongside accounting, custody, regulatory obligations and recipient access.
Existing research on business attitudes toward stablecoin payments highlights why technical capability does not automatically translate into adoption. Companies need a clear reason to change their payment arrangements and dependable ways to manage the resulting transactions.
Conclusion
The research shows that stablecoin transfers continue at substantial scale outside US banking hours. Their usefulness for businesses and households ultimately depends on whether that availability translates into accessible funds, manageable costs and reliable delivery at the receiving end
