Accelerating Cross-Border Payments in the US, UK and Europe

 

• How are regulatory frameworks in the US, UK, and Europe evolving to support, or hinder, the adoption of stablecoins by traditional banks? 
• What are the strategic opportunities for banks in these regions to use stablecoins in cross-border payments, and how do they differ across jurisdictions? 
• How are central banks and regulators in the US, UK, and Europe responding to the rise of privately issued stablecoins, and what does this mean for future collaboration or competition? 
• What lessons can tier two and tier three banks in the UK, US, and Europe learn from early adopters of stablecoins, and how can they overcome barriers to entry? 
• How can banks across these regions collaborate with fintechs and infrastructure providers to build trust and interoperability in stablecoin ecosystems? 
  
   

Stablecoins are gaining traction globally, but their adoption is heavily influenced by regional regulatory frameworks. In the US, the GENIUS Act signals a growing interest in formalising digital asset oversight, while the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) continues to refine its stance on crypto-backed instruments. Meanwhile, the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation is setting a precedent for comprehensive digital asset governance. These differing approaches are shaping bank strategies and what harmonisation, or divergence, might mean for cross-border financial services. 

One of the most promising applications of stablecoins is in streamlining cross-border payments. Banks in the US, UK, and Europe are exploring how stablecoins can reduce settlement times, lower costs, and improve transparency. However, the regulatory and technological readiness varies across regions. Institutions are navigating these differences, and whether stablecoins can truly deliver on their promise of frictionless global transactions within the current banking infrastructure. 

The rise of stablecoins has prompted central banks to accelerate their exploration of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). In the UK, the Bank of England is actively researching a digital pound, while the European Central Bank is progressing toward a digital euro. In contrast, the US remains more cautious. How private stablecoin initiatives are being received by regulators and central banks is being considered, and whether collaboration or competition will define the future of digital currency ecosystems in these regions. 

While tier one banks often lead innovation, tier two and tier three institutions in the UK, US, and Europe have unique opportunities to adopt stablecoins. These banks can leverage agility and niche market focus to pilot new solutions, especially in underserved cross-border corridors. By highlighting success stories and practical strategies for mid-sized banks to overcome barriers such as compliance, infrastructure, and talent gaps, organisations can position themselves as digital leaders in their regions. 

Trust and interoperability are critical to the success of stablecoin ecosystems. Banks across the UK, US, and Europe are increasingly partnering with fintechs, infrastructure providers, and even regulators to build robust frameworks for digital asset use. Companies should be open to exploring emerging collaborative models, from sandbox initiatives to joint ventures, and discuss how these partnerships can accelerate adoption while maintaining security, compliance, and customer confidence. 

Register for this Finextra webinar, hosted in association with Volante, to join our panel of industry experts who will discuss how regulatory frameworks in the US, UK, and Europe are evolving to support, or hinder, the adoption of stablecoins by traditional banks.