Western Union and Anchorage Digital have revealed their intention to introduce USDPT, a stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar, on the
Solana
blockchain, targeting an early 2026 launch. This collaboration seeks to utilize Solana’s fast and cost-effective network to upgrade cross-border payment solutions for Western Union’s 100 million customers worldwide, a move that has triggered
exclusivity claims
. Anchorage Digital, operating as a federally regulated crypto bank, will be responsible for issuing the token and ensuring it complies with the 2025
GENIUS Act
, which requires full reserve backing and strict anti-money laundering measures.
The USDPT stablecoin will be incorporated into Western Union’s existing
agent network
of 550,000 locations in 150 countries, allowing users to easily convert between digital and traditional currencies. This blended approach aims to solve the “last mile” issue in crypto adoption by connecting blockchain payments to physical cash outlets. “Our Digital Asset Network and USDPT are designed to expand financial access globally,” stated
Western Union CEO Devin McGranahan
.
Solana was chosen for its ability to handle up to 65,000 transactions per second with minimal fees, which is crucial for large-scale remittance operations. Nevertheless, the partnership has led to speculation that Solana may have paid Western Union between $25 and $50 million for a
six-month exclusivity
window before USDPT could be available on other blockchains such as
Ethereum
. Although these reports are unconfirmed, discussions on social media and among industry experts continue about whether the adoption is based on technology or financial arrangements. Sheraz Shere, Solana’s head of payments, highlighted that this partnership demonstrates the platform’s capability for enterprise-level solutions.
The regulatory framework set by the GENIUS Act positions USDPT as a compliant alternative to conventional remittance methods. By holding reserves in U.S. Treasuries and conducting monthly audits, the stablecoin addresses concerns raised by recent crypto custody failures, such as the
Fortress Trust collapse
, which resulted in $12 million in client losses. Experts suggest that regulated stablecoins like USDPT could
reduce cross-border fees
by as much as 50% compared to traditional wire transfers.
Western Union has also
filed a U.S. trademark
for “WUUSD,” indicating possible expansion into consumer digital assets. Meanwhile, Solana’s native token, SOL, has experienced short-term price swings, trading at $185.41 at the time of reporting. Despite this, analysts remain positive about its future, citing robust on-chain activity and growing institutional interest.
The introduction of USDPT highlights a wider industry trend toward regulated stablecoins, with major institutions like PayPal and JPMorgan also entering the market. As the stablecoin sector is projected to reach $750 billion by 2026, collaborations like this illustrate the merging of traditional finance with blockchain technology. For now, attention is on whether USDPT can fulfill its promise of delivering faster and more affordable global payments—and if unconfirmed exclusivity rumors will affect its debut.
