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William Blair Analysts Sees Upside in Western Union’s Solana-Based Stablecoin Launch
Western Union’s new Solana-based stablecoin and crypto cash-out network mark a smart step into blockchain-enabled remittances, the report said.
Updated Oct 29, 2025, 3:28 p.m. Published Oct 29, 2025, 1:39 p.m.
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What to know:
- Western Union shares rose 6.5% on Tuesday after the firm unveiled its Solana-based stablecoin and crypto off-ramp network.
- William Blair said the move shows stablecoins are an opportunity for remittance firms, not a threat.
- The bank kept its market perform rating on the stock, citing slow core growth despite strong yield and digital progress.
Western Union (WU) shares rose 6.5% on Tuesday after the company announced plans to introduce the U.S. Dollar Payment Token (USDPT) on Solana, issued by Anchorage Digital Bank, along with a crypto off-ramp network called the Digital Asset Network.
The move underscores that stablecoins are an opportunity, not a threat, for remittance firms that embrace innovation, according to investment bank William Blair.
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The bank's analysts expect more details at Western Union’s Nov. 6 investor day but said stablecoin remittances could speed settlement, cut pre-funding needs and boost capital efficiency, especially in inflation-prone markets.
The Digital Asset Network, offering cash-out access at 380,000 Western Union agents, shows how remittance firms can monetize stablecoin flows, the analysts said, though fiat on- and off-ramping remains a key hurdle.
Despite progress in digital and consumer services, the report noted sluggish core money transfer growth and potential pressure from a 2026 remittance tax.
The firm said Western Union’s 10% dividend yield and low 5.3x 2026 P/E should support shares but kept its market perform rating on the stock, calling revenue acceleration and digital execution the next tests for management.
WU shares rose 2% to $9.68 in the minutes following the market opening.
Read more: Western Union CEO Views Stablecoins as an Opportunity, Not a Threat: Bloomberg
AI Disclaimer: Parts of this article were generated with the assistance from AI tools and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and adherence to our standards. For more information, see CoinDesk's full AI Policy.
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