Did Solana pay Western Union for stablecoin exclusivity?

Key Takeaways

What happened?

Western Union announced it will launch a U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin on Solana’s blockchain in early 2026, sparking rumors of payment for temporary exclusivity.

What do critics claim?

Rival blockchain communities suggest Solana is “buying” adoption rather than earning it organically through superior technology.

Western Union’s announcement of a Solana-based stablecoin has sparked speculation on social media that the Solana Foundation paid millions for temporary exclusivity—although no official evidence supports these claims.

The Solana partnership details

On 28 October 2025, Western Union announced plans to launch the U.S. Dollar Payment Token (USDPT) on Solana’s blockchain in early 2026. 

Anchorage Digital Bank will issue the token, which Western Union will integrate into its global payment network, serving over 100 million customers across more than 200 countries.

Western Union CEO Devin McGranahan praised Solana’s “high-speed, low-cost infrastructure” as a key factor in the decision. Solana’s head of payments, Sheraz Shere, celebrated the partnership as validation of the blockchain’s scalability.

The rumors take hold

Within hours of the announcement, social media users began claiming that the Solana Foundation had paid Western Union. 

The alleged payment is between $25 million and $50 million for six months of exclusivity before the stablecoin expanded to other blockchains, such as Ethereum.

One widely shared post on X stated: “$50M paid by Solana Foundation to Western Union for 6 months exclusivity.” Another claimed: “The deal is locked for 6 months only.”

Source: X

The rumors gained traction primarily among supporters of rival blockchain XRP, who framed the alleged payment as Solana “buying” adoption rather than earning it on merit.

Community reactions

Solana supporters quickly dismissed the claims as baseless. 

Mert Mumtaz, CEO of Helius, noted that Western Union compared multiple blockchains and chose Solana on technical merits. 

Former Polygon President Ryan Wyatt noted that blockchain foundations frequently fund partnerships across the industry.

Source: X

Critics countered that such deals represent standard practice in competitive blockchain markets, where foundations regularly offer grants and liquidity incentives to attract partners.

What we know

Neither the Solana Foundation, Western Union, nor Anchorage Digital has confirmed or denied any payment arrangement.

Western Union’s official press release mentions only a “shared vision” without disclosing financial terms.

Industry observers note that if true, a temporary exclusivity payment would align with common blockchain competition tactics.

Foundations frequently use strategic incentives to accelerate adoption and gain market advantage.

The debate highlights ongoing tensions between competing blockchain ecosystems, where partnerships often trigger tribal disputes on social media.

For now, the payment claims remain unverified rumors rather than documented facts.