Barclays makes first Stablecoin bet with investment in Ubyx settlement firm

Barclays PLC has made its first direct investment in the stablecoin sector, acquiring a stake in Ubyx, a US-based startup specializing in stablecoin clearing and settlement. Founded in 2025, Ubyx provides infrastructure for efficient reconciliation of stablecoins from multiple issuers, enabling them to function more like traditional cash. This move aligns with Barclays’ strategy to explore regulated and tokenized money, focusing on infrastructure rather than issuing its own digital currency.

The investment signals confidence in the potential of stablecoin settlement systems, with Ubyx already backed by firms like Coinbase Ventures and Galaxy Digital. By investing in infrastructure, Barclays mitigates risk while gaining exposure to digital payments and exploring regulatory frameworks. This positions Barclays among major banks engaging with stablecoin infrastructure, following previous consortium efforts with Goldman Sachs and UBS to explore a G7 currency-pegged stablecoin.

Investor reaction has been positive, with Barclays shares experiencing a modest uplift. The bank’s strategy reflects a shift from previous caution regarding cryptocurrencies, including blocking crypto purchases on Barclaycard in June 2025, towards a more open exploration of regulated stablecoin systems and their potential to reshape cross-border payments and settlement processes.

(Source：Invezz)