Meta Reportedly Plans Stablecoin Return via Third-Party Partners in H2 2026

Meta is reportedly re-entering the stablecoin market in the second half of 2026.

However, this time, it is integrating third-party payment solutions and launching a digital wallet rather than issuing its own token.

Why it matters:

Meta’s 3.2 billion-user base gives any stablecoin integration immediate global payment reach at scale.
The pivot to third-party solutions reduces regulatory exposure that killed Libra (later Diem) after pushback from US and EU regulators in 2019–2022.
A Meta-backed digital wallet could accelerate stablecoin adoption across social commerce, creator payouts, and cross-border transfers.

The details:

Per reports, Stripe is the leading candidate for integration, following its acquisition of Bridge, a stablecoin infrastructure company.
Stripe CEO Patrick Collison joined Meta’s board of directors in April 2025, deepening the companies’ existing partnership.
Meta will not issue its own stablecoin, opting instead to leverage existing third-party stablecoin rails.

The big picture:

When Meta launched Libra in 2019, the stablecoin market was worth $1 billion; currently, it is worth over $300 billion.
Meta’s return comes as the US advances stablecoin legislation, with the GENIUS Act signaling a more permissive regulatory environment than the one that blocked Libra.
PayPal, Visa, and Stripe have each expanded stablecoin operations in 2025, positioning Meta’s move as part of a broader Big Tech push into on-chain payments.