 
 
Payment giant Western Union is set to launch a USD-backed stablecoin (USDPT) on the Solana blockchain in 2026, a landmark step in merging traditional remittance services with blockchain finance.
Partnering with Anchorage Digital Bank, Western Union aims to combine its global payment infrastructure with Solana’s speed, transparency, and low-cost efficiency to revolutionize cross-border transactions.
Through this partnership, federally chartered Anchorage Digital Bank will manage custody and compliance for USDPT, ensuring full U.S. dollar backing and adherence to regulatory requirements. The move underscores Western Union’s strategy to modernize its remittance network and stay competitive against fintech and blockchain payment rivals.
The Solana community welcomed the news with enthusiasm, seeing it as further validation of the blockchain’s speed, scalability, and real-world potential.
Renowned for its lightning-fast transactions and ultra-low fees, Solana has emerged as a leading hub for stablecoins and DeFi projects aiming for efficiency and mass adoption.
 
In contrast, the XRP community responded with skepticism. For instance, XRP advocate Nietzbux argued that Ripple’s partnership with MoneyGram six years ago ended following the SEC lawsuit, arguing that while Western Union’s launch of a USD-backed stablecoin on Solana signals progress, it’s a relatively modest development in today’s rapidly expanding era of blockchain adoption.
He added, “The fact that Solana and its lead dev are calling this a dark day for XRP shows they are: Very jealous of XRP’s market cap. Have no idea what Ripple or XRP have done since 2019.”
These contrasting views reignited long-standing tensions between the XRP and Solana communities, underscoring the persistent tribalism that characterizes much of the cryptocurrency landscape.
XRP Faces Key Resistance Ahead
Renowned market analyst Ali Martinez predicts that XRP could face strong resistance near the $2.80 level, a key threshold that may shape its medium-term outlook.
His analysis comes amid renewed optimism across the digital asset market, as investors turn their attention to altcoins trailing Bitcoin’s latest rally.
Martinez, renowned for his data-driven insights on crypto, highlighted that historical trends and on-chain metrics identify $2.80 as a key psychological and technical resistance level, with XRP currently trading around $2.27.
Meanwhile, Hidden Road could be Ripple’s most strategic acquisition yet, poised to fuel massive XRP growth.
Source: https://zycrypto.com/western-unions-stablecoin-move-sparks-xrp-army-fury-as-bulls-eyes-2-8-barrier/