Barclays Makes First Investment in Stablecoin Sector
In a significant move for traditional banking institutions into the digital asset space, Barclays, one of the world’s leading financial institutions, has made its first-ever investment related to stablecoins. The UK-based bank disclosed that it has invested in Ubyx, a US-based platform specializing in stablecoin clearing and connectivity solutions. While the bank has not revealed the specific amount invested, this step underscores a growing acceptance of digital currencies within mainstream finance.
Strategic Focus on Digital Money Infrastructure
Ryan Hayward, Barclays’ head of digital assets and strategic investments, emphasized the importance of advanced technology in fostering interoperability among tokens, blockchains, and wallets. He stated, “As the landscape of tokens, blockchains, and wallets evolves, specialist technology will play a pivotal role in delivering connectivity and infrastructure to enable regulated financial institutions to interact seamlessly.”
This move aligns with broader industry trends, as Barclays seeks to explore new frontiers in digital finance. The investment follows Ubyx’s successful $10 million seed funding round in June 2025, which was backed by prominent investors including Galaxy Ventures, founded by Michael Novogratz, and Coinbase, the leading US crypto exchange.
Ubyx's Mission and Industry Collaborations
Founded in March 2025 by Tony McLaughlin, a veteran with over two decades at Citi working in payments and cash management, Ubyx aims to streamline stablecoin adoption through its platform. McLaughlin describes himself as a “tokenized money maximalist,” highlighting the expanding role of tokenized financial services. His vision is to develop a global acceptance network for regulated digital currencies, including tokenized deposits and stablecoins issued by major players such as Ripple, Paxos, AllUnity, and Eurodollar.
McLaughlin pointed out that “we are entering a world in which every regulated firm offers digital wallets in addition to traditional bank accounts,” signaling a shift towards digitally-native financial services. Ubyx’s platform, designed to facilitate broader stablecoin usage, is expected to accelerate this transformation.
When announcing its funding in mid-2025, Ubyx highlighted its goal to support broad adoption of stablecoins issued by key industry players, aiming to improve interoperability between traditional banking and emerging digital assets. The firm’s focus is on bridging traditional financial systems with the digital currency ecosystem through robust, regulated infrastructure.
Implications and Industry Significance
Barclays’ investment marks a notable shift in the bank’s approach toward cryptocurrency and stablecoins after years of cautious engagement. The move reflects a broader industry trend where traditional banks are cautiously exploring digital assets to stay competitive and relevant in a rapidly evolving financial landscape. Previously, Barclays had restricted crypto-related transactions, such as blocking crypto purchases on credit cards, citing volatility concerns.
This strategic move aligns with the increasing recognition of stablecoins’ potential to revolutionize cross-border payments and financial interoperability. As regulators worldwide refine frameworks for digital assets, institutional involvement is expected to grow, signaling an important milestone in the integration of digital currencies into conventional banking operations.
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