Zelle, a leading U.S. payments network, is expanding its services to facilitate international money transfers using stablecoins, a strategic move influenced by recent regulatory clarity and rising global competition.
Early Warning Services, the operator of the Zelle network, recently announced the integration of stablecoins into its platform. The initiative aims to extend Zelle’s reach beyond the United States, offering faster, more secure, and more economical transactions for users worldwide.
The company stated this expansion marks “a significant step to expand Zelle’s global reach by leveraging stablecoins.” This effort seeks to revolutionize how users send money to and from the U.S.
Stablecoins are digital tokens backed by stable assets, typically the U.S. dollar. Their integration will enable cross-border fund movements in minutes, drastically reducing transfer times compared to traditional systems that can take days. Costs are also expected to be significantly lower.
Cameron Fowler, CEO of Early Warning Services, emphasized the goal to bring the same level of speed and reliability seen in domestic Zelle transfers to international consumers. He noted the company is investing where “consumer needs, banking capacity, and global opportunities intersect.”
Fowler also highlighted that “greater regulatory clarity in the United States” has enabled the focus on innovation. This refers to the approval of the GENIUS Act by former President Donald Trump, which established the first regulatory framework for stablecoins and encouraged financial institutions to explore the sector.
The move positions Zelle in a competitive global market. Other major players, including PayPal, Wise, Revolut, and Western Union, are already offering or exploring stablecoin-based international payment solutions.
A report by Bloomberg indicated that all participating banks in Zelle’s network will have the option to offer this new international service. This could benefit Zelle’s more than 100 million active users in the U.S., extending utility to emerging markets in Latin America, Europe, and Asia, where stablecoins are gaining traction.
Zelle currently processes over $1 trillion in transactions annually within the U.S. through a network of more than 2,000 financial institutions. Early Warning Services is owned by a consortium of major U.S. banks, including Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and Wells Fargo.
While the company did not provide details on specific stablecoins to be included or a launch timeline, it has invited interested financial institutions to join the expanded network. Early Warning Services promises a “frictionless experience” for international transfers.