Meta, the US tech giant behind Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, is planning to reintroduce stablecoin payments in the second half of 2026, according to sources familiar with the matter. The company intends to work with a third-party vendor to manage the stablecoin infrastructure and deploy a new digital wallet to handle transactions.
The initiative follows Meta’s earlier attempt with the Libra project, later renamed Diem, which was shuttered in 2022 after regulatory scrutiny and reputational challenges. Meta’s renewed interest reflects a shift in both market conditions and US regulatory attitudes toward stablecoins, creating a more permissive environment for the firm’s reentry.
Institutional and Competitive Context
Meta has issued a request for product proposals from third-party firms, with payments company Stripe, a long-time Meta partner that acquired stablecoin firm Bridge last year, mentioned as a likely candidate for pilot operations. Stripe CEO Patrick Collison also joined Meta’s board in April 2025, underscoring the strategic alignment between the companies.
Integrating stablecoin payments could allow Meta to reduce reliance on traditional banking networks and associated fees while facilitating social commerce and cross-border transactions. The move positions Meta against other tech-driven financial platforms, including Elon Musk’s X and messaging service Telegram, both of which are seeking to expand in-app payments and super app functionality.
Meta’s reliance on an external vendor represents a strategic pivot from its previous in-house Diem approach. According to sources, the company seeks to maintain operational distance from the stablecoin infrastructure, reducing regulatory and reputational exposure while still capitalizing on its large user base of more than 3 billion.
Regulatory Shift and Market Implications
The regulatory environment in 2026 is more favorable than during the Libra/Diem era. Measures like the GENIUS Act have created a legal framework for stablecoin issuance in the US, although key rules are still being finalized. Analysts note that the changing climate may make it easier for Meta to relaunch its payments ecosystem without repeating past challenges.
By combining third-party execution with its global network of social media platforms, Meta could reestablish itself as a major player in digital payments. Observers expect this approach to offer a balance between market reach, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation, signaling a more measured entry into the cryptocurrency space than the company attempted in 2019.
