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Western Union’s Solana-based stablecoin could reshape its payment model, analyst says
Western Union launched USDPT, a dollar-backed stablecoin on Solana, issued by Anchorage Digital Bank, for 24/7 settlement with agents and partners.
May 5, 2026, 5:22 p.m. 2 min read
What to know:
- Western Union launched USDPT, a dollar-backed stablecoin on Solana, issued by Anchorage Digital Bank, for 24/7 settlement with agents and partners.
- Analyst Angus Scott says USDPT shows stablecoins disrupt traditional payments, pressuring legacy remittance and bank settlement models.
- Solana’s fast, low-fee, 24/7 operations allow USDPT to handle small consumer payments and large settlement flows, merging remittances and wholesale settlements.
Scott told CoinDesk the launch is another sign that stablecoins are starting to challenge older payment models.
“Western Union’s adoption of Solana-based stablecoins is another point of proof that stablecoins are becoming highly disruptive to traditional payments business models,” Scott said.
The key point, he added, is that Solana can handle both small consumer payments and large settlement flows. Low fees make it possible to use a stablecoin for small purchases, and fast settlement, coupled with 24/7 operations, can also help firms move money between agents without waiting for correspondent banks.
