In the heart of Southeast Asia’s bustling financial hub, Singaporean businesses are embracing cutting-edge technologies to propel their international growth. A recent study underscores this momentum, revealing that local firms are increasingly turning to stablecoins and artificial intelligence (AI) to navigate the complexities of cross-border trade. As global commerce becomes more digital and interconnected, these tools are not just enhancements—they’re becoming essential for staying competitive in a fast-evolving economy.
The Rise of Stablecoins in Singapore’s Payment Landscape
Stablecoins, cryptocurrencies designed to maintain a stable value by being pegged to fiat currencies, commodities, or financial instruments, are gaining traction as a reliable alternative to volatile assets like Bitcoin. According to a July 2025 survey of 400 business owners and senior decision-makers in Singapore, conducted by payments giant Stripe, 62% of respondents plan to adopt stablecoins for payments, while 19% are already utilizing them. This enthusiasm stems from stablecoins’ ability to facilitate swift, low-cost international transactions, bypassing traditional banking delays and fees.
However, adoption isn’t without hurdles. A quarter of those surveyed (25%) admitted to being unfamiliar with stablecoins, highlighting a knowledge gap that could slow broader implementation. Despite this, the potential is clear: cross-border payments in Singapore surged more than 30% year-on-year in 2024, with around 60% of businesses anticipating further growth in cross-border sales over the next 12 months. Stablecoins address key pain points, such as fluctuating exchange rates and settlement times, making them ideal for overseas expansion.
Singapore’s proactive regulatory environment has been a catalyst. In 2023, the Monetary Authority of Singapore introduced a stablecoin regulatory framework, which has inspired similar initiatives in Hong Kong, South Korea, and beyond. This clarity provides businesses with the confidence to integrate stablecoins, knowing they operate within a structured, compliant system.
AI: The Smart Engine Driving Business Efficiency and Innovation
Complementing stablecoins, AI is emerging as a powerhouse for Singapore firms eyeing global markets. An overwhelming 93% of survey respondents are either already using or plan to adopt agentic AI—advanced systems capable of autonomous decision-making—within the next 12 months. Looking ahead, half of these businesses expect at least 11% of their sales to originate from AI-driven channels by 2030.
AI’s applications are diverse and impactful. For instance, it enhances fraud detection, automates compliance checks, and optimizes logistics—critical for overcoming challenges like differing international regulations and shipping complexities. Stripe’s recent innovations exemplify this: at the Stripe Tour 2025 event held on August 20 at Marina Bay Sands, the company unveiled over 50 upgrades, including an AI foundation model that boosts detection rates for attacks on large businesses by 64%. Such tools not only safeguard transactions but also streamline operations, allowing firms to focus on growth.
Ms. Sarita Singh, Stripe’s managing director for Southeast Asia, India, and Greater China, captured the synergy between these technologies: “Stablecoins offer the speed and the reach to stay competitive in a global economy.” She added, “We expect new technologies like stablecoins and AI to accelerate businesses’ growth.”
With 85% of polled businesses expressing confidence in reaching new markets within the next year, Singapore’s tech-savvy approach is setting a benchmark for regional and global enterprises.
How International Banks Can Capitalize on Stablecoins and AI Trends
As Singapore firms pioneer the use of stablecoins and AI for expansion, international banks stand to gain significantly by positioning themselves as key enablers in this ecosystem. These institutions, often operating across borders with flexible regulatory frameworks, can offer specialized services that bridge traditional finance and digital innovation.
For starters, international banks can provide custody services for stablecoins, securely holding and managing these assets on behalf of clients. This not only ensures compliance with evolving regulations but also builds trust in volatile markets. By integrating AI-driven tools, such as automated risk assessment and real-time fraud monitoring, banks can enhance security and efficiency, attracting businesses seeking seamless cross-border solutions.
Additionally, offering onramp and offramp services—converting fiat currencies to stablecoins and vice versa—allows international banks to facilitate instant global transfers. This is particularly valuable for firms dealing with high-volume international trade, reducing costs and settlement times compared to conventional wire transfers. AI can further optimize these processes by predicting currency fluctuations, automating KYC (know-your-customer) verifications, and personalizing financial products for diverse markets.
The growth in cross-border payments, as seen in Singapore’s 30% surge, creates opportunities for international banks to partner with fintech platforms like Stripe, expanding their reach into emerging economies. By leveraging stablecoins for tokenized assets and AI for data analytics, these banks can tap into the projected multi-trillion-dollar tokenization market, providing infrastructure for everything from remittances to supply chain finance.
In essence, international banks that adapt to these trends can evolve from mere custodians to strategic partners, helping businesses navigate global expansion while capitalizing on the digital finance boom.