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William Blair Analysts Sees Upside in Western Union’s Solana-Based Stablecoin Launch

coindesk.com

5 hour ago

William Blair Analysts Sees Upside in Western Union’s Solana-Based Stablecoin Launch

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. 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

https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/10/29/william-blair-analysts-sees-upside-in-western-union-s-solana-based-stablecoin-launch?utm_source=CryptoNews&utm_medium=app