The plan offers a clear view of how a legacy leader in global money movement aims to modernise cross-border payments. It aims to do this by using blockchain tools that cut costs and time.
This shift shows how established companies are now treating stablecoins as practical payment rails. This is through a clear stablecoin strategy. It also signals that these tools are no longer viewed as experiments.
Real-Time Payments and Unlocked Capital
At the centre of the strategy is the idea of unlocking trapped capital. Today, the company holds hundreds of millions of dollars across the banking system. This way, transactions can settle across different countries. This process relies on correspondent banking, a chain of middleman banks that move funds only after checks are done. Settlement often takes two days.
The second pillar is the launch of a Digital Asset Network. The company partnered with four providers to build on- and off-ramp services. This will let customers move between cash and stablecoins. This network is planned to go live in the first half of 2026. Customers will be able to send and receive stablecoins and convert them in person. This is important for regions where digital banking is limited.
Western Union $WU outlining the 4 pillars of their stablecoin strategy at UBS: 1) Unlock trapped capital: have “hundreds of millions” stuck across banking system to enable real-time pmts. Moving to stables frees up the $, eliminates ~2 day tie up via correspondent banking,… https://t.co/1Wq1mvO9iC pic.twitter.com/bH9EOuw2UB
— Omar (@TheOneandOmsy) December 3, 2025
Then, the third pillar is a stablecoin card that gives people in high-inflation countries a way to spend their digital dollar balance. This is without switching back to local currency. Many families in places with rising prices hold value in dollars already. A card tied to a stable balance helps them buy goods without losing money to sudden swings in exchange rates.
The fourth pillar is the plan to issue a proprietary token on Solana. By creating its own stablecoin. So, the company can manage costs, compliance, and distribution while using its brand to reach new customers.
More About Stablecoins
On the other hand, Brian Armstrong says that several major U.S. banks are now working with Coinbase on pilot programs that explore stablecoins, asset custody, and digital asset trading. So, according to him, these institutions are beginning to treat crypto as part of their long-term strategy rather than a short-term experiment, and they want hands-on experience with the tools customers are already using.
🇺🇸 JUST IN: Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong says major U.S. banks are partnering with the exchange on pilots involving stablecoins, custody, and trading. pic.twitter.com/3Y6delJgAI
— Cointelegraph (@Cointelegraph) December 3, 2025
Also, the pilots are designed to help banks test secure ways to hold digital assets. To understand how stablecoins can speed up payments. Also, to learn how regulated trading might fit into their existing services. So, Armstrong sees these early efforts as a sign that traditional finance is starting to move into the crypto economy in practical ways.