Coinspeaker
Jan 7, 2026
5 0

Barclays Invests in Ubyx to Enhance Stablecoin Settlement Systems

Barclays has acquired a stake in Ubyx, a US-based stablecoin settlement firm. This marks the bank's first direct investment in stablecoin infrastructure.

  • The move aligns with Barclays' strategy to explore digital money while adhering to regulatory standards.
  • The investment size and valuation remain undisclosed. Barclays does not plan to issue a retail stablecoin but will collaborate with Ubyx on tokenized money development.

Ubyx Overview

  • Founded in 2025, Ubyx operates a clearing system for stablecoins, allowing universal redemption across multiple blockchains.
  • Raised $10 million in seed funding from Galaxy Ventures, Coinbase Ventures, and Founders Fund.

Banks’ Strategic Focus

  • Banks like Barclays focus on stablecoin infrastructure over issuance.
  • In Europe, bank-led initiatives target regulated euro-denominated stablecoins, expected by 2026.
  • Despite blockchain involvement, Barclays avoids speculative crypto exposure.

Stablecoin Market Dynamics

  • Stablecoin supply exceeds $317 billion, led by USDT with $187 billion.
  • Stablecoins are mainly used for settlement and liquidity in crypto markets, with increasing interest in cross-border payments.
  • Spot crypto volumes are declining, with few catalysts for renewed retail demand in 2026.