Stablecoin infrastructure firm Trace Finance raises $32 million Series A, says valuation grew 10x from seed — 2026-06-17

## Short Segments In a significant legislative move, the US Senate and House have reached an agreement on a housing bill that includes a ban on central bank digital currencies, or CBDCs, through 2030. This decision comes as part of a broader effort to address housing supply and costs, with the bill expected to pass both chambers soon. The inclusion of a CBDC ban reflects ongoing concerns about digital currency regulation and its potential impact on the financial system. For developers and financial institutions, this means a continued focus on private digital currencies and stablecoins, as the Federal Reserve is restricted from issuing a CBDC for the next several years. As the bill moves forward, stakeholders will need to navigate this regulatory landscape while exploring alternative digital currency solutions. World Liberty Financial, a Trump-backed crypto firm, is on the verge of receiving a federal trust charter from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. This approval would allow the company to issue and redeem its USD1 stablecoin under a single federal regulator, streamlining its operations. Despite concerns about conflicts of interest, the charter would provide World Liberty with a significant regulatory advantage, potentially setting a precedent for other crypto firms seeking similar approvals. For issuers and custodians, this development highlights the evolving regulatory environment and the importance of securing federal oversight to enhance credibility and operational efficiency. As the decision nears, the crypto industry will be watching closely to see how this impacts the broader market and regulatory landscape. ## Feature Story Trace Finance, a stablecoin infrastructure firm based in São Paulo, has raised $32 million in a Series A funding round, marking a tenfold increase in valuation from its seed round. Led by CoinFund, with participation from Coinbase Ventures and others, this funding underscores the growing demand for efficient cross-border payment solutions in Latin America. Trace Finance's rapid growth is attributed to its focus on expanding stablecoin payment rails, which offer a faster and more cost-effective alternative to traditional banking systems. This development is particularly significant for issuers and payment companies looking to tap into the Latin American market, where traditional banking options are often slow and expensive. By leveraging stablecoins, Trace Finance aims to streamline foreign exchange, banking, and credit products, providing startups with greater access to financial services. As the company scales its operations, it could pave the way for broader adoption of stablecoins in the region, challenging existing financial infrastructure. For regulators and policymakers, this raises questions about how to effectively oversee and integrate these new payment systems into the existing financial framework. Looking ahead, the success of Trace Finance could inspire similar ventures, driving further innovation and competition in the fintech space. As stablecoin infrastructure continues to evolve, stakeholders will need to balance innovation with regulatory compliance to ensure sustainable growth.