Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ: META) is preparing to enter the stablecoin market later this year, as the social media giant seeks to expand digital payments across its global platforms, according to three people familiar with the plans.
The company, led by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, plans to begin integrating stablecoin payments early in the second half of the year. Additionally, Meta intends to work with a third-party vendor to manage transactions tied to a dollar-pegged digital token.
One person familiar with the matter said the company will introduce a new digital wallet. Furthermore, Meta wants an outside firm to administer the stablecoin-backed payment system. The source said Meta prefers to operate at a distance from the token itself. Consequently, the company aims to avoid direct exposure to regulatory and operational risks.
A second person said Meta has issued a request for product to several firms. Additionally, the person identified Stripe Inc. as a likely candidate for a pilot program. Stripe acquired stablecoin infrastructure provider Bridge last year. Meanwhile, Stripe chief executive Patrick Collison joined Meta’s board in April 2025.
Meta, Stripe and Bridge did not respond to requests for comment before publication. However, people close to the talks described the initiative as serious and well advanced. Meta owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. Together, those platforms reach more than 3 billion users worldwide.
Stablecoins are digital tokens pegged to traditional currencies like the U.S. dollar. Consequently, they aim to maintain a steady value while enabling fast online transfers. By adding stablecoin payments, Meta could create new payment rails inside its apps.
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New initiative would make Meta more competitive
Traditional cross-border payments often carry high fees and long settlement times. Furthermore, stablecoins can move funds almost instantly across borders.
The initiative would position Meta as a stronger player in social commerce. Meanwhile, it would place the company in direct competition with other technology firms building “super apps.” Elon Musk’s platform X has signaled plans to integrate payments into its social network. Additionally, Telegram has expanded its in-app payment and crypto features.
Meta previously attempted a similar strategy with its Libra project in 2019. However, that effort encountered sharp political and regulatory resistance. U.S. lawmakers raised concerns about financial stability and consumer protection. Consequently, Meta scaled back Libra’s original vision of a global currency backed by multiple national currencies.
The company later renamed the project Diem. Subsequently, it shifted toward issuing several single-currency stablecoins instead of one basket-backed token. Despite those changes, regulators continued to scrutinize the initiative. Furthermore, the company still faced reputational fallout from the Cambridge Analytica data scandal.
Meta ultimately shut down Diem in early 2022 and sold its assets. However, the regulatory landscape in the United States has since evolved.
President Donald Trump’s GENIUS Act has created a clearer legal framework for stablecoin issuers. Additionally, federal agencies have begun drafting detailed rules for the sector. Industry executives say the new environment has opened the door to fresh entrants. Meanwhile, regulators continue to refine oversight standards for reserves, audits and consumer safeguards.
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