“Western Union’s new Solana-based stablecoin and crypto cash-out network mark a smart step into blockchain-enabled remittances, the report said.”, — write: www.coindesk.com
The move underscores that stablecoins are an opportunity, not a threat, for remittance firms that embrace innovation, according to investment bank William Blair.
The bank’s analysts expect more details at Western Union’s Nov. 6 investor day but said stablecoin remittances could speed settlement, cut pre-funding needs and boost capital efficiency, especially in inflation-prone markets.
The Digital Asset Network, offering cash-out access at 380,000 Western Union agents, shows how remittance firms can monetize stablecoin flows, the analysts said, although fiat on- and off-ramping remains a key hurdle.
Despite progress in digital and consumer services, the report noted sluggish core money transfer growth and potential pressure from a 2026 remittance tax.
The firm said Western Union’s 10% dividend yield and low 5.3x 2026 P/E should support shares but kept its market perform rating on the stock, calling revenue acceleration and digital execution the next tests for management.
WU shares rose 2% to $9.68 in the minutes following the market opening.
Read more: Western Union CEO Views Stablecoins as an Opportunity, Not a Threat: Bloomberg
Stablecoin payment volumes have grown to $19.4B year-to-date in 2025. OwlTing aims to capture this market by developing payment infrastructure that processes transactions in seconds for fractions of a cent.
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Bitcoin is not just lagging gold in 2025, but its returns have also slipped below those of the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq.
- The continuing rally in stocks has lifted the S&P 500’s return this year above that of bitcoin and widened the Nasdaq’s lead.
- A recent surge for Nvidia (NVDA) has pushed its market cap above $5 trillion, outpacing the combined value of other major chipmakers as AI partnerships and investments fuel explosive growth.
- Bitcoin, meanwhile, remains stuck roughly 10% below its record high.
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