Meta Plans Stablecoin Payments Return in 2026, Seeks External Partner and New Wallet

Meta is preparing to re-enter stablecoin-based payments, targeting an initial rollout in the second half of 2026 and leaning on a third-party provider to run key parts of the payment stack, according to multiple reports citing people familiar with the plans. 

The effort is described as a vendor-led integration rather than a Meta-issued coin. The company has reportedly sent requests to external firms to help administer stablecoin payments and support a new wallet layer inside Meta’s apps. 

Third-Party Rails Instead of a Libra-Style Build

Meta’s first attempt at launching a global digital currency, Libra, later renamed Diem, was announced in 2019 and ultimately shut down after sustained regulatory pushback, with the project’s assets sold off in 2022. 

This time, the approach is framed as “arm’s-length”: Meta distributes the user experience through its platforms while a payments partner handles the stablecoin plumbing.

Stripe Mentioned as a Potential Pilot Partner

One name repeatedly flagged as a likely candidate is Stripe, which has expanded its stablecoin infrastructure footprint through its acquisition of Bridge.

Bridge has also been building regulated rails. Reuters reported in mid-February that Bridge obtained conditional approval to establish a national trust bank in the U.S., a step that could support custody and settlement services around stablecoins. 

What Meta Is Building Toward

If Meta proceeds, stablecoins would likely function as a behind-the-scenes settlement layer for in-app transfers and commerce flows, an architecture that can reduce cross-border friction and processing costs while keeping the front-end experience familiar for users.

The reported timeline remains contingent on partner selection and integration work. Meta has not publicly confirmed the project, and the company’s last stablecoin effort is still a live reference point for regulators and policymakers weighing how consumer platforms should handle payment-like crypto products.