Barclays Invests in Stablecoin Startup Ubyx, Signaling Institutional Crypto Interest
Barclays shares edged higher following its strategic stake acquisition in Ubyx, a U.S.-based stablecoin settlement platform. The MOVE marks the British bank's first direct exposure to dollar-pegged digital assets, reflecting growing institutional demand for blockchain-based treasury solutions.
Ubyx's clearing infrastructure aims to bridge traditional finance with crypto markets, though regulatory uncertainties persist. The startup operates in a gray area—lacking formal money transmitter status under FinCEN despite handling fiat-backed token settlements.
Market observers note accelerating stablecoin adoption could reshape cross-border payments and settlement latency. Treasury departments at major banks are reportedly testing blockchain integrations for liquidity management and intraday position tracking.
