Barclays Invests in Stablecoin Settlement Firm Ubyx

• Ubyx operates as a clearing system that reconciles stablecoins from different issuers, aiming to facilitate settlement across various token types
• Barclays is among 10 major banks, including Goldman Sachs and UBS, exploring the joint issuance of a stablecoin pegged to G7 currencies
• The stablecoin market has grown significantly, led by Tether with $187 billion in circulation, though the investment size and Ubyx valuation were not disclosed

Barclays Invests in Stablecoin Settlement Firm Ubyx

Key Development:

Barclays has made its first stablecoin-related investment by acquiring a stake in Ubyx, a U.S.-based stablecoin settlement company that launched in 2025. The investment amount and valuation were not disclosed.

Company and Technology:

Ubyx operates as a clearing system for stablecoins—cryptocurrencies pegged 1:1 to traditional currencies—designed to reconcile tokens from different issuers. Previous investors include venture capital arms of Coinbase and Galaxy Digital, according to PitchBook data.

Strategic Context:

The investment aligns with Barclays' broader strategy to explore "new forms of digital money" and tokenized assets within regulatory frameworks. The bank is part of a 10-bank consortium, including Goldman Sachs and UBS, investigating the joint issuance of a stablecoin pegged to G7 currencies.

Market Environment:

Financial institutions have increasingly announced stablecoin initiatives over the past year, driven by surging cryptocurrency prices and renewed interest from U.S. President Donald Trump in integrating blockchain technology into mainstream finance. However, most banking blockchain projects remain in early development stages.

Industry Scale:

The stablecoin market has expanded significantly, led by Tether (El Salvador-based) with $187 billion in tokens currently in circulation. Stablecoins are primarily used for facilitating transactions within cryptocurrency markets.

Implications:

Barclays' investment signals growing institutional acceptance of blockchain-based payment infrastructure, though the bank emphasizes operating within regulatory boundaries. This move positions the British bank at the forefront of traditional finance's gradual adoption of digital currency technologies.