European Banks Expand Stablecoin Payments, Boost Crypto Adoption

Stablecoins are gaining significant traction in both Europe and the United States as financial institutions and fintech startups increasingly integrate these digital assets into their operations. European banks like Italy's Banca Sella are piloting crypto custody services, while startups such as Germany's Ivy are enabling real-time payments by pairing fiat currency rails with stablecoins like USDC and EURC, facilitating instant conversion and settlement. In the U.S., the recently passed GENIUS Act aims to establish a regulatory framework for stablecoins, which is expected to accelerate their adoption by providing clearer guidelines for issuance and oversight, a move supported by President Trump. Banks and credit unions are actively exploring roles in the stablecoin ecosystem, including issuance, custody, and distribution, recognizing both opportunities and competitive threats from fintech firms currently dominating the space. Additionally, platforms like Believe In Unity and 1win are leveraging stablecoins to enhance financial inclusion and security, offering community-focused banking solutions and robust decentralized finance ecosystems. These developments collectively highlight a shift toward mainstream acceptance and innovative use cases for stablecoins in global finance.