Western Union Chooses Solana to Power Its Global Stablecoin Network and USDPT Token

• Western Union has selected the Solana blockchain to power its upcoming Digital Asset Network and USDPT (US Dollar Payment Token) stablecoin.
• The launch is set for H1 2026, offering customer access through partner exchanges — similar to PayPal’s PYUSD distribution model.
• Anchorage Digital Bank will collaborate with Western Union to build the network’s institutional-grade infrastructure.
• The Digital Asset Network will serve as a cash off-ramp for over 150 million Western Union users across 200+ countries.
• CEO Devin McGranahan called Solana the “right choice” after comparing multiple alternatives, citing its speed, scalability, and cost efficiency.
• Western Union’s move follows similar blockchain integrations from Zelle and MoneyGram, signaling a broader payments industry shift toward stablecoins.
• The launch is backed by new U.S. stablecoin regulations under the GENIUS Act, signed by President Donald Trump in July 2025.
• The stablecoin market, valued at $311.5B in April 2025, is projected to reach $2 trillion by 2028.

Western Union, one of the world’s largest remittance providers, has officially chosen Solana as the blockchain foundation for its forthcoming stablecoin settlement system, marking a significant step in the global adoption of blockchain-powered payments.

Announced during its Q3 earnings call, the company said the new system will consist of two key components:

1. The US Dollar Payment Token (USDPT) — a U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin.
2. The Digital Asset Network — a blockchain-based settlement infrastructure built in partnership with Anchorage Digital Bank.

The rollout is scheduled for the first half of 2026, with customer access enabled through partner exchanges. This design mirrors how PayPal USD (PYUSD) is distributed on platforms like Binance, ensuring broad retail accessibility and global reach.

Solana: “The Right Choice” for Global-Scale Payments

Speaking at the Money 20/20 USA conference in Las Vegas, Western Union CEO Devin McGranahan said the company evaluated multiple blockchain alternatives before choosing Solana for its performance and reliability.

“For 175 years, we’ve been connecting people and moving $150 billion a year. Digital assets are the next evolution.
We looked at alternatives and came to the conclusion that Solana was the right choice.”
— Devin McGranahan, CEO, Western Union

The Digital Asset Network will act as a cash off-ramp for Western Union’s more than 150 million customers across 200 countries and territories, streamlining cross-border payments using blockchain technology.

Western Union’s move follows similar initiatives by other major money transfer firms:

• Zelle’s parent company recently announced plans to launch its own stablecoin-based cross-border payment system.
• MoneyGram revealed in September that it would integrate a USDC wallet into its Colombian operations, enabling crypto-to-cash conversions for local users.

These developments highlight how traditional remittance giants are embracing blockchain to reduce costs, improve speed, and expand access for global users — especially in developing economies.

Regulatory Clarity Fuels Stablecoin Expansion

Western Union’s entry into the crypto space comes after years of hesitation due to regulatory uncertainty and market volatility.

However, the passage of the GENIUS Act in July 2025, signed into law by President Donald Trump, provided the legal framework needed to safely integrate stablecoins into mainstream financial systems.

The U.S. Treasury Department valued the global stablecoin market at $311.5 billion in April 2025, projecting growth to $2 trillion by 2028 — a forecast that underscores the explosive potential of blockchain-based payments.

Western Union said the goal of the USDPT stablecoin is to combine the speed of Solana, the security of Anchorage Digital, and the reach of Western Union’s global network to create a regulated, institutional-grade payment ecosystem.

The system will:

• Enable instant cross-border transactions,
• Allow users to cash out locally through Western Union agents, and
• Offer transparent, low-cost settlements backed by USD reserves.

This initiative positions Western Union at the forefront of blockchain adoption in global remittances, bridging the gap between traditional finance (TradFi) and Web3 technology.

Why It Matters

Western Union’s decision to build its stablecoin network on Solana signals a massive validation for the blockchain — long praised for its high throughput and minimal transaction costs.

It also represents a turning point for cross-border finance, as established payment giants like Western Union, Zelle, and MoneyGram shift from testing blockchain to full-scale deployment.

With Solana powering Western Union’s next-generation payment system, stablecoins are moving from crypto exchanges to everyday financial infrastructure, potentially transforming how billions of dollars move across borders each day.