Swyftx, an Australian cryptocurrency exchange, estimates that AI‑enabled microbusinesses could add $262 billion to stablecoin transaction volumes by 2033.

The exchange’s second‑quarter report projects the global gig and freelance payments market to reach $2.1 trillion by 2033, with AI‑native workers accounting for $775 billion.

Swyftx’s base‑case model assumes a 33% adoption rate among AI‑native workers, resulting in $262 billion of payment volume settled in stablecoins. Lead market analyst Pav Hundal said the “vibe‑coding” and AI economy present a potential tailwind for stablecoin use, noting that adoption requires compelling economics and clear rules. Stablecoins have doubled their market capitalization in two years and recorded $1.79 trillion in transaction volume in June. Freelancers, especially firms with fewer than five employees, are among the fastest adopters of AI technology, creating a growing class of solo entrepreneurs who operate across borders and invoice frequently. These workers, estimated at six to ten million today and projected to reach 17 million within a decade, face high remittance and transaction fees with traditional banking systems. Hundal said that using stablecoins can save freelancers thousands of dollars annually, with Ethereum layer‑2 transfers reducing fees by 80% to 90% and cutting annual fees by about 86% on average. The agentic AI payment model, in which AI agents lack bank accounts, may further increase stablecoin usage.

Swyftx added that if its projections hold, the institutional layer — encompassing over‑the‑counter liquidity, custody and yield services — could capture up to $1.3 billion in revenue by 2033, assuming a 0.5% cost structure on total transaction, liquidity and custody volumes.

The potential revenue stream is contingent on regulatory clarity and continued economic incentives for stablecoin adoption.