Meta Signals a Stablecoin Return, Mulls Collaboration with Stripe
Meta Platforms has issued a request for proposals (RFP) to external firms for a new stablecoin‑based payment system, hinting at a possible partnership with payments processor Stripe. The move could mark the social‑media giant’s re‑entry into a market that has surged to a $308 billion valuation.
What’s happening
On Tuesday, Meta announced an RFP inviting third‑party companies to submit solutions for a stablecoin‑enabled payments layer. The solicitation, first reported by CoinDesk, suggests that Meta intends to launch a stablecoin product later this year. Though no formal agreement has been confirmed, industry observers note that Stripe—renowned for its developer‑friendly payment infrastructure—has emerged as a leading candidate for collaboration.
A brief history
Meta’s earlier foray into digital currencies began in 2019 with the launch of Libra, a stablecoin initially designed to facilitate peer‑to‑peer transactions across the company’s ecosystem. Following intense regulatory pushback, Libra was rebranded Diem, but the project was ultimately abandoned in early 2022. The shutdown underscored the challenges that large technology firms face when navigating the complex, jurisdiction‑specific landscape of financial regulation.
Market backdrop
Stablecoins have continued to gain traction despite Meta’s earlier setback. Data from DeFiLlama show the sector’s total market capitalization climbed from roughly $206 billion in January 2025 to more than $308 billion by early 2026—a growth of nearly 50 % in just over a year. This expansion is driven by increasing demand for low‑volatility digital assets in both decentralized finance (DeFi) applications and mainstream commerce.
Why Stripe?
Stripe’s suite of APIs and its global reach make it an attractive partner for any firm looking to embed digital assets into existing payment flows. A collaboration could allow Meta to leverage Stripe’s compliance tools, settlement networks, and developer ecosystem, potentially accelerating time‑to‑market while mitigating regulatory risk. For Stripe, entering the stablecoin space aligns with its recent experiments in blockchain‑based settlements, such as the “Tempo” permissionless layer‑1 initiative disclosed earlier this month.
Analyst perspective
- Regulatory navigation – By working with an established payments provider, Meta may sidestep some of the scrutiny that plagued the Libra/Diem effort. Stripe’s experience with anti‑money‑laundering (AML) and know‑your‑customer (KYC) frameworks could prove pivotal in obtaining the necessary approvals from U.S. and EU regulators.
- Strategic positioning – If Meta successfully integrates a stablecoin into its ad and commerce platforms, it could open a new revenue stream while reinforcing its ambition to become a “metaverse” payment hub.
- Competitive dynamics – The move puts Meta in direct competition with other tech‑driven stablecoin projects, such as Circle’s USDC and Binance’s BUSD, which already enjoy deep integration with existing payment processors and DeFi protocols.
Key takeaways
| Takeaway | Implication |
|---|---|
| RFP issued | Meta is actively scouting external talent to build its stablecoin solution, indicating a serious commitment to re‑enter the market. |
| Potential Stripe tie‑up | Partnership could provide regulatory cover and technical infrastructure, reducing time‑to‑launch. |
| Stablecoin market growth | A $308 billion sector offers sizable upside, but also heightened regulatory focus. |
| Learning from Libra/Diem | Past regulatory challenges will likely shape the design and governance of the new token. |
| Broader ecosystem impact | Successful rollout could accelerate mainstream adoption of stablecoins in social media and e‑commerce contexts. |
Outlook
Meta’s next steps will likely involve evaluating RFP submissions, negotiating terms with any chosen partner, and mapping out a compliance roadmap. While the exact timeline remains uncertain, the company’s public statement signals that a stablecoin product could be operational in the second half of 2026. Stakeholders across DeFi, fintech, and regulatory circles will be watching closely to see whether Meta can translate past lessons into a viable, regulator‑friendly digital asset.
This article was prepared with the assistance of AI‑driven workflows.
Source: https://thedefiant.io/news/tradfi-and-fintech/meta-explores-stablecoin-revival-eyes-partnership-with-stripe
