Western Union plans inflation-resistant stable cards and prepares to launch its own digital coin

Western Union is taking another step into digital assets, outlining plans for a new “stable card” designed to protect users in countries battling severe inflation. The initiative was detailed by chief financial officer Matthew Cagwin during the UBS Global Technology and AI conference, where he described the product as part of the company’s shift toward a multi-pillar stablecoin and digital asset strategy.

Cagwin pointed to Argentina as a prime example of the problem Western Union wants to solve. With annual inflation running between 250% and 300%, remittances can lose a large portion of their value within weeks. He explained that families receiving $500 may find that only $300 of purchasing power remains a month later. The stable card, he said, could act as a safeguard against such rapid value erosion, building on Western Union’s existing prepaid products in the United States.

The company is also preparing to issue its own digital coin. Cagwin emphasized that Western Union’s vast global footprint—spanning 200 countries—gives it a significant advantage, particularly in emerging markets where remittances make up an important share of national income. Controlling the economics, compliance, and distribution of its own coin would allow Western Union to expand its digital ecosystem more efficiently.

Another key component of the roadmap is the Digital Asset Network (DAN), which connects the company with multiple on-ramp and off-ramp partners. The network is expected to launch in the first half of 2025 and will underpin Western Union’s move deeper into crypto-enabled financial infrastructure.

Western Union has also confirmed that its stablecoin settlement system will be built on the Solana blockchain. This system will be centered around the US Dollar Payment Token (USDPT) and will operate through a new Digital Asset Network developed in partnership with Anchorage Digital Bank. USDPT is scheduled to debut in the first half of 2026 through partner exchanges.

The company recently filed a trademark for “WUUSD,” signaling plans for a full suite of crypto services—including a wallet, trading tools, and stablecoin-based payment processing. The filing has been accepted and is awaiting examiner assignment.