- Meta Platforms is reviving its crypto agenda with a potential stablecoin payment scheme.
- Regulatory uncertainty around stablecoins might pose a major hurdle for Meta’s ambitions.
Meta Platforms Inc., the multinational company behind Facebook, is stepping back into the digital asset market three years after shutting down its crypto project Diem. According to reports, this time, the focus is on using stablecoins to make cross-border payments easier and cheaper for digital content creators.
Meta To Bank on Cross-Border Payments and Lower Fees
As reported by Fortune, Meta has started talks with several digital asset firms to explore how stablecoins could be used to pay creators across borders. This move differs from its earlier attempt with Libra, later rebranded to Diem, which aimed to launch its digital currency. The Diem project ended in 2022 due to pressure from regulators in the United States and abroad.
This time, Meta is taking a more cautious route. Instead of building a new digital coin, it may partner with companies that already have approved stablecoins in circulation. The main reason behind this move is to cut down the high costs of international payments. Sending money through traditional systems like SWIFT often involves expensive fees and delays.
According to reports, Meta wants to make these payments cheaper and faster, especially for creators who earn money on platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp. These services are used by millions of people worldwide, many of whom depend on content creation for income. Using stablecoins could allow Meta to send small payments more frequently and with lower fees.
Meta’s recent hiring choices may also support its plans. Ginger Baker, who worked at the fintech company Plaid, joined Meta as Vice President of Product in January 2025. Her background in digital finance is a sign that Meta is taking this move seriously.
A lot is happening in the stablecoin world, with current players expanding their product offerings. As previously mentioned in our report, Tether, the company behind USDT, is expanding into artificial intelligence. According to the update, CEO Paolo Ardoino said the firm is developing Tether AI, a set of tools to improve privacy and decentralization.
US Lawmakers Remain Divided Over Stablecoin Rules
Even with its new plan, Meta will likely face pushback from U.S. regulators as the rules around stablecoins remain unclear. While banks can hold crypto for their customers, there is still no solid policy on handling stablecoins.
As mentioned earlier, the GENIUS Act, a bill meant to set clear rules for stablecoins, failed in the U.S. Senate by just one vote. Some pro-crypto Democrats pulled their support, adding to doubts about the future of stablecoin regulation. The move comes as lawmakers still argue over money laundering and national security concerns.
In addition, critics, including Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, said the bill had flaws, especially the part that blocked stablecoins from offering interest. Some lawmakers also accused former President Trump of having ties to crypto firms, adding to the controversy.
If Meta avoids launching its stablecoin and instead works with trusted partners, it may sidestep some of these issues. Still, any serious move into digital payments will need support from regulators, both in the US and worldwide.
