Meld Raises $7 Million to Integrate Stablecoin Networks, Build the 'Visa for Crypto'

Meld has raised $7 million to develop a platform that integrates stablecoin networks and functions as a payment solution for crypto transactions (). The company aims to create a system that enables seamless, real-time payments using stablecoins, positioning itself as a 'Visa for crypto.' The funding reflects growing interest in using stablecoins for everyday transactions and institutional use cases.

Stablecoins are gaining traction as a tool for low-cost, fast, and borderless payments. Companies like Ingenico have partnered with WalletConnect Pay to allow in-store stablecoin payments using existing point-of-sale terminals according to a press release. This integration supports five major stablecoins and has been rolled out across millions of Android terminals globally.

Meanwhile, Polygon has acquired Coinme and Sequence for more than $250 million to strengthen its stablecoin payment infrastructure as reported by Reuters. The move aims to create a regulated and scalable payments platform using stablecoins, particularly for U.S. dollar-pegged tokens. Polygon CEO Marc Boiron emphasized the importance of building an open money stack that connects traditional and on-chain financial systems.

Why Did This Happen?

Stablecoin payments are becoming a preferred option for cross-border transactions due to their lower costs and faster processing times compared to traditional payment networks according to CoinTelegraph. For example, Visa has also partnered with BVNK to expand its stablecoin payout capabilities through Visa Direct as reported. This shift is driven by the growing demand for digital currencies in everyday commerce and the desire to reduce reliance on legacy infrastructure.

Regulatory developments are also shaping the stablecoin landscape. The U.S. CLARITY Act and the Genius Act are among the key pieces of legislation influencing how stablecoin rewards and settlements are structured according to CoinTelegraph. These laws determine whether stablecoins can offer yield-based incentives, affecting the business models of platforms like Coinbase and exchanges.

How Did Markets React?

The financial markets have responded positively to the expansion of stablecoin payment infrastructure. For example, Rain, a stablecoin-powered payment company, recently raised $250 million in a Series C funding round, valuing the company at nearly $2 billion according to Crowdfund Insider. This round was led by ICONIQ and included participation from major venture capital firms. Rain's platform enables businesses to issue stablecoin-linked cards and wallets, with support from over 200 partners.

Institutional players are also adopting stablecoins for treasury management, payroll, and remittances. Cobo, an institutional custody provider, has joined Morph’s Payment Accelerator program to route stablecoin flows through Morph’s Layer 2 network according to a press release. This partnership aims to reduce costs and improve settlement efficiency for high-frequency transactions.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Analysts are monitoring how stablecoin adoption affects traditional payment providers like Visa and Mastercard. Polygon’s CEO has said the company is not competing directly with these players but is focusing on building partnerships that expand the use of stablecoins in mainstream commerce as reported by Reuters. However, the growing competition between stablecoin-based and traditional payment solutions may lead to further innovation and regulatory scrutiny.

Coinbase has also expressed concerns over potential restrictions on stablecoin rewards under the CLARITY Act according to Blockonomi. The company may reconsider its support for the bill if it includes provisions that limit its ability to offer competitive yields on stablecoin balances. This could impact Coinbase's revenue, particularly in a bear market where trading volumes are lower.

Stablecoins are now a core part of the digital finance ecosystem, with transaction volumes estimated to exceed $3 trillion to $4 trillion annually according to CoinTelegraph. As more businesses and consumers adopt stablecoin payments, the infrastructure supporting these transactions will play a crucial role in shaping the future of global finance.

The regulatory environment will also be a key factor. The European Union's Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCA) and the U.S. CLARITY Act are setting the framework for how stablecoins can be used in financial systems. These regulations aim to ensure compliance while encouraging innovation.

Stablecoin adoption is expected to continue growing in 2026, driven by the need for faster, cheaper, and more transparent payment solutions. As companies like Meld, Ingenico, and Polygon expand their offerings, investors will be watching how these platforms scale and integrate with existing financial infrastructure.

The shift toward stablecoin-based payments is reshaping the traditional finance landscape, creating new opportunities for fintech companies and institutional players alike. As the infrastructure matures and regulatory clarity improves, stablecoins may become an essential component of the global financial system.

The future of money movement is increasingly onchain, with stablecoins serving as a bridge between traditional and digital finance. Whether through retail payments, institutional settlements, or remittances, stablecoins are positioned to play a significant role in the next phase of financial innovation.

As the market evolves, the ability to offer seamless, secure, and compliant stablecoin solutions will determine the success of companies like Meld and its competitors. Investors are paying close attention to how these platforms adapt to changing regulations and market demands.

The next few months will likely bring more clarity on the regulatory landscape and the role of stablecoins in the broader financial ecosystem. For now, the momentum behind stablecoin adoption shows no signs of slowing down.