Key Takeaways:
- Moneygram expands USDC services to boost cross-border remittance access.
- Stellar enables faster, lower-cost transactions through blockchain rails.
- Circle-backed infrastructure signals continued stablecoin adoption growth.
Moneygram Expands Stablecoin Reach Across Latin America
Stablecoin infrastructure is gaining institutional traction as firms expand blockchain-based payment rails across emerging markets. Payments firm Moneygram International Inc. announced on April 22 an extended partnership with the Stellar Development Foundation (SDF), targeting broader real-world stablecoin utility and faster, lower-cost cross-border transactions.
The expanded agreement outlines a multi-year effort to grow digital asset settlement capabilities using USD Coin (USDC) across key remittance regions. Revealed during an industry gathering in Mexico City, the initiative increases access to the company’s stablecoin-enabled services throughout Latin America.
“Everyone talks about financial inclusion. Moneygram is delivering it,” Chairman and CEO Anthony Soohoo stated, adding:
“We are building an open payments network that moves seamlessly across fiat and stablecoin, enabling faster, lower-cost transactions, starting with the people who need it most.”
The executive also shared on social media platform X: “Five years ago, we started turning stablecoins into real-world money infrastructure for the billions of people without access to traditional financial services. Colombia was the first market. Today, we are bringing this to El Salvador, with many more markets across the world to follow this year.” The firm continues integrating blockchain rails with traditional infrastructure to support faster global payments.
Stellar Partnership Supports Faster Remittance Settlement
The rollout builds on prior deployments in Colombia, where users can receive funds in a USD-denominated balance, hold digital dollars, or convert to cash. The service has now reached El Salvador, with further expansion planned across Central and South America.
The system operates through Stellar alongside Crossmint and Circle, enabling near-instant settlement and flexible cash access across Moneygram’s global network spanning more than 200 countries and territories. Since 2021, the partnership has developed key tools, including a developer-facing API and one of the largest cash on/off-ramps for digital assets, addressing demand from cash-reliant populations dependent on remittances.
Stellar Development Foundation CEO Denelle Dixon explained the broader vision behind the initiative:
“Together, we’re expanding access, lowering costs and enabling instant cross-border payments at scale, delivering the power of blockchain in ways that are seamless and intuitive for customers.”
The partnership reflects continued efforts to integrate blockchain infrastructure into mainstream financial services while improving transaction efficiency for underserved regions.
