Western Union is accelerating its push into digital assets as it seeks to modernize its global remittance operations.
During the company’s Q3 earnings call, CEO Devin McGranahan announced that Western Union has begun piloting stablecoin-based settlement systems. The initiative aims to streamline international money transfers and improve liquidity management.
Western Union Tests Stablecoin Settlements After US Rule Change
According to him, Western Union previously maintained a cautious stance toward cryptocurrencies, citing volatility, unclear regulations, and customer protection risks.
However, that approach is shifting due to the improved regulatory environment in the United States.
McGranahan said the recent passage of the GENIUS Act has clarified federal rules for stablecoin issuance and usage. This new framework gives traditional payment companies more confidence to adopt blockchain-based solutions.
As a result, Western Union has started testing stablecoin-enabled tools within its treasury operations. These pilots use blockchain settlement rails to reduce dependence on correspondent banks, speed up cross-border settlements, and enhance capital efficiency.
“We are exploring how our global payments network can serve as an on-ramp and an off-ramp between fiat and digital currencies,” he added.
Beyond that, the remittance giant is expanding partnerships with digital-native firms. These companies aim to leverage Western Union’s infrastructure in regions where banking access remains limited but crypto adoption is growing.
“This is not about speculation. It is about giving our customers more choice and control in how they manage and move their money,” McGranahan remarked.
Meanwhile, the company’s digital transformation goes beyond stablecoin pilots.
Western Union is overhauling its technology stack and investing in global digital payment rails. It is also expanding its digital wallet offerings across Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia, where remittance demand is high and blockchain adoption is accelerating.
Western Union’s renewed interest in stablecoins comes as competitors embrace similar tools. MoneyGram already supports USDC payments, and Remitly recently launched a multi-currency wallet that supports both fiat and digital tokens.
These developments highlight a broader trend where stablecoins are becoming critical to lowering cross-border transfer costs and improving liquidity for global payment providers.
Stablecoins can reduce remittance costs by up to 95% and cut global average fees from around 6.6% to under 3%. This has resulted in a sharp rise in crypto-based payments, which have surged 70% this year to more than $10 billion.
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