Meta Plans 2026 Stablecoin Comeback: Crypto Payments Coming to WhatsApp and IG

According to recent reports, tech giant Meta plans to re-enter the stablecoin market in the second half of 2026, integrating third-party stablecoin payments across WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. After the setbacks of the Libra and Diem projects, how will Meta overcome regulatory hurdles this time?

On February 24, CoinDesk reported, citing people familiar with the matter, that Mark Zuckerberg's tech conglomerate Meta plans to re-enter the stablecoin space in the second half of this year. Departing from its previous aggressive strategy of "issuing its own token," Meta is now opting to integrate third-party providers to support the stablecoin payment needs of its vast social empire.

Meta spokesperson Andy Stone subsequently responded on social media: "Business as usual. There is still no Meta stablecoin. The focus of the plan... is to allow individuals and businesses to make payments on Meta's platforms using their preferred payment methods." This "cautious strategic shift" marks a major milestone in the mainstream adoption of Web3 payments.

Abandoning "Token Issuance" for "Integration"

Compared to the grand vision of creating a global digital currency during the Libra era in 2019, the Meta of 2026 appears much more pragmatic and steady.

According to leaked Request for Proposals (RFPs), Meta is no longer seeking to build its own cryptocurrency network. Instead, it relies on mature, third-party stablecoin operators to embed digital dollar payments. This decision significantly reduces the compliance burden and potential operational risks.

• Partnerships: It is reported that Meta's long-term partner, Stripe, is the leading candidate for this pilot. Stripe CEO Patrick Collison not only holds a seat on Meta's board of directors, but his company also acquired the stablecoin platform Bridge in October 2024 and the crypto wallet Privy in June 2025, completing its comprehensive stablecoin payment infrastructure.

• Comprehensive Integration: This new payment wallet is expected to be rolled out to all Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp users, offering dollar-pegged token payment capabilities. This means that Meta's over 3 billion monthly active users will soon be able to enjoy low-cost, instant cross-border settlement services.

The Social Payment War and AI Strategy

In terms of market competition, Web3 social payments have become a highly contested battleground. Elon Musk's social platform X continues to advance its built-in payment plans for its "everything app," while Telegram has already gained a first-mover advantage in crypto payments leveraging the TON ecosystem.

For Meta, returning to the stablecoin market is not just about lowering traditional bank transaction fees or vying for leadership in social e-commerce; it is also about paving the way for its AI strategy. With Meta's aggressive investments in the Llama series of large language models, seamless and instant stablecoin payments will become an indispensable financial foundation for its AI Agent ecosystem.

OSL Analyst Insight: Compliance is the Ultimate Endgame Meta's strategic pivot sends a clear market signal: "Compliance" has become the sole entry ticket for tech giants and institutional capital.

Assets lacking transparent backing will gradually be phased out. As the first digital asset trading platform licensed by the SFC in Hong Kong, OSL consistently provides you with top-tier security guarantees:

• Strictly Selected Robust Assets: Through rigorous due diligence, OSL only supports compliant stablecoins with sufficient and transparent fiat reserves, shielding investors from underlying risks.

• Top-Tier Asset Isolation: All client assets are subject to strict regulatory oversight and are held in trust with bankruptcy-remote isolation mechanisms, providing a level of security commensurate with traditional finance.

📌 Further Reading:

👉Stablecoin Payment: The Future of Payments?

👉OSL StableHub Grand Launch: Multi-Stablecoin and USD Seamless 1:1 Exchange & Rewards Hub

👉What Is a Compliant Crypto Exchange?

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