The global payments giant prepares a multi-pillar digital asset rollout, including a proprietary coin and a Solana-based settlement system
Western Union is accelerating its shift into digital assets with plans to launch an inflation-protected “stable card” aimed at customers in high-inflation economies. The initiative reflects a broader strategy to modernize cross-border payments through stablecoins, a proprietary token and a new digital asset network.
Speaking at the UBS Global Technology and AI Conference, Chief Financial Officer Matthew Cagwin explained that the company’s stable card is designed to help users in markets where traditional currencies rapidly lose value. He highlighted Argentina, where annual inflation has surged to 250–300%, noting that many families see remittances lose almost half their purchasing power within a single month.
“We can see strong utility for our stable card,” Cagwin said, describing it as an evolution of Western Union’s existing prepaid products, tailored specifically for economies experiencing severe monetary erosion.
The stable card is one part of a broader digital asset roadmap. Cagwin confirmed that Western Union plans to issue its own coin, leveraging the company’s reach across 200 countries. The goal, he noted, is to maintain control over compliance, economics and distribution—especially in emerging markets where remittances are vital to household income.
Another pillar of the strategy is the Digital Asset Network (DAN), a platform connecting Western Union to multiple on-and-off-ramp providers. DAN is scheduled to launch in the first half of 2025 and will serve as an operational bridge for the firm’s stablecoin initiatives.
The company has already announced that its upcoming settlement system will run on the Solana blockchain, using the US Dollar Payment Token (USDPT). The system is slated for release in 2026 and will work in partnership with Anchorage Digital Bank. Western Union has also filed a trademark for WUUSD, signaling future offerings including wallets, trading tools and stablecoin-powered payments.
With these moves, Western Union is positioning itself as a major player in the next generation of global financial infrastructure.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.