Meta Platforms is preparing a major return to the stablecoin world in 2026, according to multiple reports, in a move made possible by new U.S. stablecoin regulations. The social media giant is now exploring ways to integrate dollar‑pegged digital assets into its global platforms after earlier efforts were derailed by regulators.
Meta executives have circulated requests for product proposals to several third‑party payment firms to help administer stablecoin‑based payments and build a compatible wallet service. The company is aiming for a rollout between June and December 2026.
Unlike its previous attempt with Libra — later renamed Diem — Meta does not appear to be planning a fully self‑issued stablecoin. Instead, sources say the firm wants partners to provide the underlying infrastructure and payment rails, keeping Meta’s role focused on integration rather than issuance, likely to avoid past regulatory pushback.
Industry watchers see Stripe as a leading candidate for this integration. Stripe acquired stablecoin specialist Bridge in 2024 and its CEO, Patrick Collison, joined Meta’s board in April 2025, strengthening ties between the companies. If selected, Stripe could help power stablecoin transactions embedded across Meta’s platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram.
Meta’s renewed interest coincides with the passage of the GENIUS Act, a federal law signed in July 2025 that provides the first comprehensive U.S. regulatory framework for payment stablecoins. The act mandates that stablecoins be backed one‑for‑one by U.S. dollars or other liquid assets, requires monthly reserve disclosures and tight compliance with anti‑money‑laundering standards, and defines licensing rules for issuers.
The law aims to prevent past issues that plagued projects like Libra, which faced intense scrutiny from regulators worried about Big Tech dominating financial infrastructure. Under the new framework, non‑bank issuers must maintain robust reserves and satisfy federal oversight to operate legally.
Meta has not confirmed its exact plans or stablecoin name. A spokesperson recently reiterated that there is no Meta‑issued stablecoin yet and that the company’s focus remains on expanding payment options through partnerships and existing payment methods on its apps.
The timing is significant. Analysts predict that stablecoins could become a trillion‑dollar market as regulatory clarity encourages broader adoption for payments and cross‑border transactions, not just trading use cases.
If Meta succeeds, its stablecoin integration could tap into its 3.5 billion‑strong user base instantly, placing token‑enabled payments at the heart of global social commerce.
Why This Matters
Meta’s stablecoin pivot reflects a broader shift in how major tech firms approach digital money. With clearer rules now in place, stablecoins are moving beyond niche crypto circles into mainstream payment systems. The strategy of partnering rather than issuing may make it easier for Meta to deploy digital assets without triggering the same level of regulatory resistance that sank Libra.
What Comes Next
Watch for vendor selection in the coming months and further guidance from U.S. regulators as they finish implementing the detailed rules required under the GENIUS Act. The stablecoin landscape in 2026 could look very different from just a year ago.
