U.S. Bank Trials Custom Stablecoin Issuance on Stellar Network with PwC and SDF Backing

U.S. Bank has initiated a pilot program for custom stablecoin issuance on the stellar blockchain, signaling a significant step by a major U.S. financial institution toward programmable digital money. The trial, supported by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and the Stellar Development Foundation (SDF), underscores the banking sector's growing interest in tokenized assets.

Announced during a Money 20/20 podcast episode titled 'The Tokenized Future of Banking,' the initiative highlights how tokenization could redefine financial services. Mike Villano, U.S. Bank's Senior Vice President and Head of Digital Asset Products, stressed the importance of compliance and security in banking-grade digital assets, citing Stellar's capabilities in meeting regulatory requirements.

The MOVE reflects a broader industry shift toward programmable money—digital currencies embedded with compliance features tailored for traditional finance. Stellar's blockchain was selected for its ability to integrate know-your-customer (KYC) protocols, transaction reversibility, and other safeguards critical for institutional adoption.