
Western Union has announced plans to introduce a U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin named USDPT on the Solana blockchain. The company aims to accelerate global remittances and reduce transaction fees with this launch.
The stablecoin will be issued by Anchorage Digital Bank and is scheduled for release in the first half of 2026. Western Union’s move signals a major step toward modernizing its money transfer network for a digital economy that operates continuously.
The company chose Solana because it has low transaction costs and high processing speed. These attributes are crucial in the remittance markets, where every cent and second matters. With a public blockchain, Western Union will reduce the time to settle payment transactions between the sender and the recipient.
Such a structure also facilitates transparency and compliance, therefore enabling regulators and partners to track transactions with higher efficiency. The stablecoin will be available to customers via partner exchanges and will be used to transfer money across borders without being subjected to currency fluctuations.
The initiative aligns with Western Union’s broader goal of linking traditional finance with blockchain-based systems. The company is developing a digital asset network to connect its existing retail infrastructure with wallet providers. This setup will allow users in cash-heavy regions to convert digital tokens into local currencies.
It also gives non-customers access to the company’s global payout network. Western Union has been testing blockchain tools within its own treasury operations to move funds faster and minimize liquidity delays. The new token could further streamline these processes by enabling real-time redemption into bank funds.
The competition in the stablecoin market is still ongoing. PayPal launched a dollar-pegged token with Paxos( PYUSD) in 2023 and integrated it into its remittance platform. MoneyGram followed by adding USDC support in its wallet service. Banks and payment firms are also testing blockchain-based settlements to reduce reliance on correspondent banking networks.
Western Union’s entry could accelerate stablecoin use beyond trading platforms into everyday financial activities. Stablecoins are a market worth in the hundreds of billions today, and are increasingly being used to make payments and conduct cross-border transactions. The regulatory progress, such as the GENIUS Act, has offered an additional clarification to issuers with reserves in cash and short-term Treasuries to ensure that the redemption is not disrupted.
Western Union’s USDPT and digital asset network could redefine how global money transfers function by merging blockchain efficiency with the company’s long-standing financial reach.