MoneyGram launches its next-generation app for cross-border finance, introducing a USD-backed stored value account that blends stablecoin security with the familiarity of traditional currencies. This innovation gives users faster, more flexible tools to send, store, and spend money globally.

Addressing Persistent Pay & Currency Challenges

For many people who rely on cross-border payments whether for remittances, education, or family support, traditional flows often mean long delays, unstable local currencies, and costly exchanges. MoneyGram’s new app aims to solve these issues, especially in countries like Colombia where remittance volume is high and local currency deprecation is a frequent challenge.

What the New App Offers

• Users can instantly receive funds in USD, hold balances in USD, and cash out whenever needed.

• The rollout begins in Colombia, leveraging its status as a remittance hub, and will expand to other markets.

• Partnered blockchain infrastructure: the app uses Stellar for low-cost blockchain payments; Crossmint for wallet infrastructure; and Circle’s USDC as the stablecoin backing.

• Features include secure digital wallet functions, flexibility to spend or hold USD directly, instant transfers, transparent transaction tracking, and options to send messages with transfers via WhatsApp, SMS, or in-app messaging.

Why This Matters

This app marks a shift toward financial inclusion and stability for users in remittance-heavy markets. By allowing people to hold USD balances, MoneyGram reduces exposure to local currency volatility. The use of stablecoin infrastructure offers speed and security, while digital wallets eliminate the need for physical cash travel, a process that has historically been burdensome and risky.

Moreover, this move could reshape expectations for what cross-border payments should deliver: not just sending money, but doing so with speed, transparency, and minimal friction.

What to Watch For

• Rollout speed: how quickly the app scales beyond Colombia and what markets follow.

• Regulatory compliance across jurisdictions, especially around stablecoins.

• Merchant and cash-on/off ramp integration to ensure usability.

• User education, given that stablecoin and digital wallet features might be new to many.

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