Western Union Files WUUSD Trademark, Eyes Stablecoin Growth
Western Union has filed a trademark application for “WUUSD” with the US Patent and Trademark Office, expanding its stablecoin offerings. The Oct. 29 filing covers crypto wallet software, stablecoin payment processing, trading services, lending and exchange functions under a broader Digital Asset Network. This move follows its October announcement of the USDPT stablecoin, set to launch on Solana in early 2026 via Anchorage Digital Bank with global transfers and cash redemption channels. Analysts at William Blair expect the strategy to lower remittance settlement costs and boost capital efficiency. The WUUSD trademark, filed one day after the USDPT launch announcement and overlapping a prior USDPT trademark, hints at a multi-token approach. Backed by clearer rules under the US GENIUS Act, Western Union’s stablecoin push marks its most significant blockchain involvement since its 2018 Ripple pilot. The initiative could reshape remittance markets and prompt other legacy payment firms to accelerate their crypto offerings.
Neutral
Western Union’s WUUSD trademark filing and USDPT launch plan strengthen its stablecoin infrastructure. In the short term, this expands token utility and signals increased stablecoin adoption, but stablecoins maintain a 1:1 dollar peg, limiting price-driven trading opportunities and volatility. Traders may see improved settlement efficiency but no direct price catalyst. In the long term, a robust stablecoin suite backed by a legacy payments leader could drive broader integration in cross-border remittances and DeFi platforms. This may boost stablecoin circulation and liquidity, yet price stability remains the core feature, keeping market impact muted.