The Federal Reserve's initiative to establish a regulated framework for stablecoins is gathering pace, as international regulators and financial organizations work together to incorporate digital assets into conventional financial systems. Recent actions underscore a unified approach to mitigating risks while leveraging stablecoins’ ability to enhance cross-border transactions and lower associated expenses.
Plasma, a company specializing in blockchain infrastructure, has taken a leading role in this field. The firm recently obtained a virtual asset service provider (VASP) license and has extended its presence to Amsterdam, with the goal of launching its stablecoin-based digital bank, Plasma One, in compliance with EU laws, according to
a CoinDesk report
. By keeping client assets in separate, regulated accounts, Plasma asserts it can deliver quicker settlements and reduced transaction fees, positioning itself as an example of regulatory-compliant stablecoin integration. This reflects a broader movement in the sector, as stablecoins—currently valued at $300 billion—could potentially reach $4 trillion by 2030, as projected by Citibank.
At the same time, established companies such as
Western Union
are exploring stablecoin-based solutions to update their remittance offerings. During the third quarter earnings call, CEO Devin McGranahan discussed pilot programs utilizing stablecoin settlement systems, taking advantage of the regulatory clarity provided by the U.S. GENIUS Act,
Western Union said
. These innovations minimize dependence on correspondent banks, potentially lowering the cost of international transfers by as much as 95% and speeding up settlement processes. Western Union’s approach is similar to that of Zelle, a major U.S. payments platform that intends to expand internationally through stablecoins. Zelle’s parent company, Early Warning Services, has announced plans to facilitate global transfers using stablecoins, with support from leading banks such as JPMorgan and Bank of America, as reported by
a CoinRise report
. The project aims to extend Zelle’s domestic transaction speed to international markets, tapping into the expanding $312 billion stablecoin industry.
Regulatory bodies are also moving quickly to create supportive frameworks for these advancements. The Bank of England (BoE) has set a 2026 target for comprehensive stablecoin regulation, mandating that issuers hold government securities and short-term debt as reserves, according to
a FinanceFeeds report
. This strategy, which aligns with U.S. regulatory practices, is designed to maintain financial stability while encouraging innovation. BoE Governor Andrew Bailey stressed that stablecoins should be regarded as “money,” with protections similar to those in traditional banking. The UK’s schedule is in step with global initiatives, such as the EU’s MiCA regulations, to create consistent standards.
The evolving regulatory landscape is also paving the way for new business models. MultiBank Group, in collaboration with UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, has introduced a multi-billion dollar tokenized sports platform, utilizing the $MBG token to connect real-world assets (RWA), as noted in
a Bitcoin.com post
. Operating under Dubai’s regulatory system, this project demonstrates how stablecoins and asset tokenization are branching out into industries like sports and wellness.
With ongoing cooperation between institutions and regulators, the stablecoin sector is undergoing rapid transformation. Although there are still hurdles—such as ensuring proper oversight while fostering innovation and managing market risks—the industry’s upward momentum is clear. Supported by frameworks like the BoE’s 2026 plan and the adoption of stablecoins by companies such as Plasma and Western Union, stablecoins are set to reshape global payments by combining efficiency with regulatory assurance.