S&P Global Ratings Confirms Stability of Half of Analyzed Stablecoins
On August 4, 2026, S&P Global Ratings, a leading name in independent credit ratings, revealed significant findings from its latest Stablecoin Stability Assessments (SSAs). The report outlined that six out of the eleven stablecoins analyzed demonstrate either adequate or superior capability to maintain their value tied to fiat currencies. This analysis comes after a thorough evaluation of stability, which is crucial in today's fluctuating financial landscape.
The SSAs play a pivotal role in assessing the ability of stablecoins to retain their peg against fiat currencies or a collection of currencies. Mohammed Damak, a Digital Assets Analyst at S&P Global Ratings, noted that while the majority displayed resilience, there have been fluctuations over the past year; two of the covered stablecoins were downgraded to a weaker performance, while nine remained stable. Damak emphasized that the findings reflect an improvement in asset quality and risk management practices among certain issuers, although disparities in risks still persist across the stablecoin spectrum, suggesting a potential for instability in some cases.
The SSAs have been operational since December 2023, instituted to shed light on the risks associated with stablecoins by evaluating key parameters such as peg stability and liquidity. A critical component of these assessments is the asset strength of each stablecoin, which is influenced by the underlying assets and their exposure to various risks, including credit and market vulnerabilities. Furthermore, the assessment considers the mechanisms in place for liquidation, the adequacy of reserve funds, and the extent of over-collateralization.
The evaluation spectrum for asset assessments starts at 1 (very strong) to 5 (weak). The SSAs further incorporate factors such as governance, the legal/regulatory context, the liquidity and redeemability of the stablecoins, technological dependencies, and the issuer's past reliability. Consequently, these factors could result in an adjustment to the SSA rating, which may not seamlessly align with the base asset assessment.
Currently, the SSAs are categorized into five tiers: 1 (very strong), 2 (strong), 3 (adequate), 4 (constrained), and 5 (weak). In the report, notable ratings included the Euro Coin (EURC) and USD Coin (USDC), both rated as strong, indicating stable performance in the current financial climate. On the lower end of the scale, Tether (USDT), TrueUSD (TUSD), and Ethena USD (USDe) were rated as weak, prompting caution about their stability in a dynamic market.
As digital assets gain traction in mainstream finance, S&P Global Ratings seeks to provide clarity and insights necessary for market participants to make informed decisions and capitalize on opportunities. Their recent progress includes being recognized as the Best Digital Asset Ratings Analytics Provider at the BeInCrypto x Proof of Talk Institutional 100 Awards 2026, as well as expanding their approach to rating tokenized financial products, thereby deepening the bridge between traditional and digital assets.
In conclusion, the latest SSAs from S&P Global Ratings highlight both the strengths and weaknesses inherent in the stablecoin ecosystem. By offering transparency and rigorous assessments, S&P Global Ratings empowers stakeholders to navigate the complexities of stablecoin investments, ensuring informed strategic decisions in their financial undertakings. For further information on the SSAs and S&P's analytical frameworks, stakeholders are encouraged to explore S&P Global Ratings' official resources available online.