Nine Major European Banks Form Consortium for Euro Stablecoin Launch in 2026

Nine leading European banks, including ING and UniCredit, have established a consortium to introduce a MiCAR-compliant euro stablecoin by the second half of 2026. The initiative aims to create a blockchain-based payment standard within the EU's digital ecosystem.

The consortium comprises ING, UniCredit, Banca Sella, KBC, Danske Bank, DekaBank, SEB, CaixaBank, and Raiffeisen Bank International. These institutions collectively represent significant firepower in European finance, with ING designated as a Global Systemically Important Bank.

The stablecoin will operate under the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation framework, ensuring compliance with digital asset issuance and custody requirements. This MOVE signals growing institutional acceptance of blockchain technology for mainstream financial applications.