Western Union is taking a step into the digital era. The company has announced that in early 2026 it will launch its own stablecoin, USDPT, on the Solana blockchain. This decision is a logical continuation of its strategy to expand its presence in digital finance.
Growth of digital wallets and the shift to Web3
The third quarter was a turning point for Western Union. According to CEO Devin McGranahan, more than 50% of all online transactions are now made through digital wallets and accounts. This is no longer just an addition to the classic business — it is the new standard.
The company has introduced the concept of the Digital Asset Network — its own network of digital assets, combining the USDPT stablecoin, payment instruments, and a global cross-border transfer system. The goal is simple: to make transfers faster, cheaper, and safer.
“Western Union will give users access to digital assets and the ability to send, receive, and store USDPT in a single interface that meets international security and compliance standards,” the official statement says.
Why Solana?
The choice of Solana was not accidental. This network provides high throughput and minimal fees, making it ideal for micropayments and instant transfers. Combined with Western Union’s infrastructure, the Solana blockchain could become the technological foundation for a new era of global settlements.
The token issuance will be handled by Anchorage Digital Bank, a licensed bank in the US, which will ensure custody and regulatory compliance. USDPT trading will begin on partner exchanges, which the company has not yet disclosed.
Return to blockchain
This is not Western Union’s first experience with distributed ledger technologies. Back in 2018, the company tested cross-border transfers using Ripple, but the project did not develop further at that time.
Now the priorities are shifting. After the adoption of the GENIUS Act, which regulates the circulation of tokenized payment instruments, the company’s interest in digital currencies has grown sharply. McGranahan confirmed that in recent months the team has been actively exploring options for integrating stablecoins into existing processes.
Transfers of the future
Experts believe that the launch of USDPT could reshape the international money transfer market. Western Union operates in more than 200 countries, and switching to blockchain will reduce the cost of transfers and speed up their processing.
Whereas previously a transfer via WU could take hours, with USDPT the operation may take just seconds. In addition, the transparency of the Solana blockchain will allow companies and clients to track transfers in real time.
Long-term goals
The pilot launch is expected in the first quarter of 2026. At the initial stage, the project will focus on transfers between the US and Latin American countries, where demand for cheap and fast transfers is especially high. Later, the company plans to enter the European and Asian markets.
If the experiment is successful, Western Union could become the first global payment company to issue its own stablecoin under banking supervision. This will change the rules of the game in the cross-border transfer market.
Western Union is building a bridge between the world of traditional finance and Web3. And it seems this bridge is almost ready.
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