Key Highlights
- Meta plans to integrate a dollar-pegged token with the help of a third-party firm to handle payments.
- The U.S. tech company has issued a request for proposals (RFP) to potential third-party vendors.
Meta, the U.S. tech company behind Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, is preparing to enter the stablecoin market later in 2026.
According to a report, sources familiar with the matter say the company plans to integrate a dollar-pegged token with the help of a third-party firm to handle payments. The initiative aims to use Meta’s large user base while sidestepping some of the costs and friction associated with traditional banking.
Early steps and vendor selection
Meta is reportedly targeting the second half of 2026 for the rollout of its stablecoin-related services, including a dedicated wallet and payment infrastructure.
The company has issued a request for proposals (RFP) to potential third-party vendors, with Stripe, already a long-time partner, mentioned as a likely candidate. Stripe, which acquired stablecoin specialist Bridge last year, has had Stripe CEO Patrick Collison as a member of Meta’s board since April 2025.
However, so far, none of the involved parties had commented publicly.
Previous stablecoin attempt
This is not the first time Meta has attempted to launch a stablecoin. In 2019, the company launched the Libra project, later renamed Diem, aiming for a global digital currency. However, the project faced significant regulatory opposition and reputational challenges, eventually being shut down in 2022 with assets sold off.
In February 2025, some reports suggested that Meta was planning to explore using stablecoins for global payments. There were talks of Meta using stablecoins on Instagram, sending creators small payments, around $100, without the usual fees. However, the idea was not materialized at that time.
Growing regulatory environment
The U.S. regulatory landscape has changed a lot since the Libra/Diem era. Current frameworks, including the GENIUS Act, provide a clearer legal framework for stablecoin issuance, though regulators are still finalizing detailed rules.
This change has reportedly motivated Meta to move cautiously, relying on a partner to navigate compliance while still offering digital payments to its platforms.
What it means
Launching a stablecoin could allow Meta to open payment rails to its billions of users and facilitate cross-border transactions without solely relying on traditional banking systems. The move would also place Meta in direct competition with platforms such as X and Telegram, both of which aim to integrate payments directly into their services.
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