According to sources, Meta is planning to incorporate stablecoin-based payments into its platforms by the second half of 2026. These individuals, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the lack of public disclosure, provided this information.
The US technology giant, which owns Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram with over three billion users, is collaborating with a third-party vendor for stablecoin-administered payments and a new wallet. A second source mentioned that Meta has issued a request for proposal to external firms, with Stripe likely to be among the candidates for piloting this integration.
Strategic Rationale and Competitive Context
Integrating stablecoins would enable Meta to open payment channels across its platforms. This could reduce reliance on traditional banking systems and associated transaction fees. The company’s extensive presence in social commerce and messaging, including WhatsApp’s peer-to-peer features and Facebook and Instagram’s e-commerce tools, positions stablecoins as a potential tool for facilitating large-scale cross-border transactions and in-app payments.
This move would put Meta more directly into competition with other technology companies developing their own payment capabilities. For example, X and Telegram have both expressed ambitions to create super-apps that can handle payments internally.
Regulatory Background and Previous Stablecoin History
Meta’s return to stablecoins comes after its previous attempt with the Libra project, renamed Diem. This venture faced significant opposition from US lawmakers and regulators and was downscaled in 2020 into a series of single-currency stablecoins before being fully abandoned early in 2022.
The regulatory landscape has evolved since then. The GENIUS Act introduced the first federal legal framework for stablecoin issuers, though detailed regulations remain under development. One source noted that Meta’s preference for a third-party provider this time is driven by lessons learned from its earlier experiences with Libra and Diem.
