Core Insights - Traditional payment giants in the U.S. are embracing stablecoin settlement systems, with Western Union announcing the launch of USDPT based on the Solana blockchain in the first half of 2026, while Visa expands support for stablecoins across four blockchains [1][2][3] Group 1: Western Union's Stablecoin Initiative - Western Union's upcoming stablecoin settlement system will consist of the USDPT and a digital asset network, built on the Solana blockchain [2] - CEO Devin McGranahan noted that the passage of the GENIUS Act has shifted the company's cautious stance on cryptocurrencies due to previous concerns over market volatility and regulatory uncertainty [2] - The USDPT is expected to be accessible through partner exchanges, similar to the listing of PayPal's USD stablecoin on Binance [2] Group 2: Visa's Expansion in Stablecoin Services - Visa is significantly expanding its stablecoin support, planning to add four new stablecoins across four different blockchains, although specific details were not disclosed [3] - The company has facilitated $140 billion in cryptocurrency and stablecoin flows since 2020, with monthly transaction volumes now exceeding an annualized scale of $25 billion [3] - Visa aims to enhance its services for banks and traditional financial institutions, promoting cross-border transactions using stablecoins [3] Group 3: Broader Industry Trends - Other U.S. payment platforms are also advancing stablecoin strategies, with Zelle's parent company announcing a stablecoin launch to accelerate cross-border payments [4] - MoneyGram is integrating its crypto application in Colombia to provide local users with USDC wallets [4] - Traditional payment platforms increasingly view blockchain technology as a solution for cross-border remittances, offering faster, cheaper, and more transparent transactions [4] Group 4: Additional Developments - Walmart's fintech company OnePay plans to add Bitcoin and Ethereum trading features through a partnership with Zerohash, enhancing its platform's capabilities [5] - OnePay has become a leading free finance app in the Apple App Store, competing with major fintech players like PayPal and Venmo [5]

Core Insights - A historic auction for the issuance rights of the stablecoin USDH is reshaping the power dynamics in the cryptocurrency market, with significant annual revenue potential of up to $220 million [1][4] - The competition involves ten major institutions, each presenting distinct proposals that reflect different future development paths for stablecoins [3][7] Group 1: Auction Details - Hyperliquid's auction for USDH issuance rights is unprecedented in the history of stablecoins, with the platform's monthly trading volume nearing $400 billion and generating $106 million in fees in August, capturing about 70% of the decentralized perpetual market [4] - The auction has attracted notable participants including Ethena Labs, Paxos, Frax Finance, and others, with the winning entity expected to control issuance rights potentially worth billions [4][11] Group 2: Proposals and Strategies - Ethena Labs promises to return 95% of reserve earnings to the community, while Paxos emphasizes its regulatory compliance and infrastructure advantages [3][8] - Frax Finance proposes a zero-fee model, aiming to link USDH with frxUSD at a 1:1 ratio and return 100% of underlying treasury yields to Hyperliquid users [9] - Sky Ecosystem offers a multi-collateral approach, providing $2.2 billion in USDC liquidity and proposing a 4.85% yield on USDH, with all profits directed to a buyback fund [10] Group 3: Market Implications - The auction signifies a profound shift in the stablecoin market's power structure, moving from traditional issuers like Circle and Tether to a more competitive landscape where DeFi protocols can demand revenue sharing and customized services [11][12] - The outcome of this competition will influence the governance models of stablecoins, determining whether regulatory compliance or decentralized innovation prevails [11][12]

Visa plans to support more stablecoins and blockchains on its settlement platform. By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions . Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required. Meanwhile, stablecoins are gaining mainstream acceptance. This week, the White Ho ...