Western Union to Introduce Solana-Based U.S. Dollar Stablecoin in 2026

• Western Union will launch a Solana-based USD stablecoin issued by Anchorage Digital Bank in 2026.
• Major U.S. firms, including Walmart and Amazon, are exploring stablecoins to cut payment costs.
• Solana’s institutional use grows as ETFs drive capital inflows and strengthen its market position.

Western Union is preparing to enter the digital assets sector with a new U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin scheduled for release in early 2026. The token, named the U.S. Dollar Payment Token (USDPT), will operate on the Solana blockchain and be issued by Anchorage Digital Bank, the only federally chartered crypto bank in the United States.

The company plans to make USDPT available to customers across its global network, enabling near-instant transfers supported by partner exchanges. Western Union processes hundreds of billions of dollars every year, and even limited uptake of the token could introduce substantial new liquidity into the stablecoin market.

In a statement, Western Union President and CEO Devin McGranahan said the development aligns with the firm’s longstanding focus on connecting users through technology. He added that the shift toward digital assets represents a continuation of that mission rather than a departure from it.

The rollout strategy follows internal testing and pilot programs aimed at updating treasury settlement processes and reducing reliance on traditional correspondent banking channels that prolong cross-border transaction times.

Institutional Interest in Stablecoins Accelerates

Western Union’s move comes during a period of increased interest in blockchain-based payment solutions among large U.S. corporations. Reports in June indicated that Walmart and Amazon are exploring potential stablecoin products to reduce payment costs and accelerate international settlements.

This trend has formed against the backdrop of rising stablecoin adoption across regulated financial channels since the enactment of the GENIUS Act. Circle, the issuer of USD Coin (USDC), has seen its valuation increase more than 300% after becoming a publicly traded company earlier this year.

Solana’s Growing Role in Institutional Finance

Solana’s inclusion as the blockchain for USDPT reflects the network’s growing role in institutional products, thanks to its low fees and high processing capacity. The approval of the first Solana staking ETF in the U.S. recently contributed to increased capital inflows toward SOL.

Bitget Chief Analyst Ryan Lee projected that the ETF may draw between $3 billion and $6 billion in its first year, supported by its 5% passive yield structure. Further momentum was recorded when Bitwise’s BSOL ETF reached over $33 million in trading volume within hours of its launch, according to Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas.