Visa, Google, Coinbase among 140 firms backing new Stablecoin Open USD — 2026-07-01

## Short Segments Taiwan clears the path for digital assets with a new crypto law, while zero-fee stablecoin payments are set to transform digital commerce. Europe's MiCA regime reshapes the crypto landscape, and SoFi's stablecoin sees rapid growth on Solana. Plus, tokenized equities are changing the trading game, and DOVU completes a major token distribution on Hedera. Later, we'll dive into the launch of Open USD, a new stablecoin backed by over 140 firms, including Visa and Google. Taiwan passes a key crypto law, clearing legal uncertainty for the digital asset sector. Taiwan has enacted a comprehensive new law requiring crypto platforms to obtain licenses from the Financial Supervisory Commission before operating. This legislation introduces stricter operational, governance, and custody standards for virtual asset service providers, including stablecoin issuers. The law also imposes tough penalties for violations, aiming to enhance market integrity and investor protection. For crypto businesses in Taiwan, this means navigating a more regulated environment, but it also provides a clearer framework for operation. As the law awaits the President's final approval, the digital asset sector in Taiwan is poised for a significant transformation, potentially attracting more institutional players and fostering innovation within a secure regulatory framework. Zero-fee stablecoin payments are set to transform digital commerce. LINE NEXT is betting on zero-fee stablecoin payments becoming the default infrastructure for digital commerce across Asia and beyond. The company has opened developer pre-registration for Unifi Pay, a platform supporting USDT, JPYC, and IDRP, ahead of its global launch in the third quarter of 2026. This move follows a successful beta phase that processed approximately 100 billion Korean won. By eliminating transaction fees, Unifi Pay aims to lower barriers for merchants and consumers, potentially accelerating the adoption of stablecoins in everyday transactions. As digital commerce continues to evolve, zero-fee stablecoin payments could redefine how value is exchanged online, offering a seamless and cost-effective alternative to traditional payment methods. Europe's MiCA crypto regime is now fully in force, reshaping the EU market. With the July 1 deadline passed, the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation is now fully operational. This regulatory framework requires all crypto-asset service providers in the EU to hold a MiCA-compliant license or cease operations. Only about 20% of previously registered firms have secured authorization, leading to a significant shakeout in the market. As many as 80% of Europe's crypto companies may lose their registration status, facing probable closure. This development marks a pivotal moment for the European crypto landscape, as firms must now adapt to stringent compliance requirements or risk being left behind. SoFi's stablecoin tops $300 million in supply as Solana drives rapid growth. The stablecoin issued by SoFi has surpassed a supply of 300 million USD, with most of the growth attributed to the Solana blockchain. This milestone reflects the increasing interest in stablecoins and their role in digital finance. SoFi's stablecoin, $SOFIUSD, previously hovered near $100 million on Ethereum, but the expansion on Solana showcases its rapid adoption. For traders and market participants, this growth could influence trading strategies and market dynamics, highlighting the potential of stablecoins as a key component of the digital asset ecosystem. The cross-asset frontier: Tokenized equities and stock trading on crypto platforms. The integration of traditional equities into crypto venues represents a fundamental shift in global trading infrastructure. Tokenized equities allow investors to manage positions across both traditional and crypto markets through a singular, frictionless point of access. This convergence is driven by the demand for seamless trading experiences and the growing popularity of tokenized assets. In 2025, the tokenized equities market grew by 3,000%, reaching around $1 billion. As the infrastructure for institutional-scale adoption materializes, tokenized equities are poised to become a significant part of the financial landscape, offering new opportunities for investors worldwide. DOVU completes a 10 billion token distribution and launches TRUST for Hedera's Authority Trail. DOVU has reached a milestone with the full distribution of its utility token, totaling 10 billion tokens in circulation. Additionally, the launch of a new token called TRUST aims to power writes to a credentialing layer known as Authority Trail. This development redefines how DOVU handles workflows, authority, and long-term value flow across its Hedera-based ecosystem. With 58% of the circulating supply locked in non-custodial staking, DOVU continues to drive on-chain activity and innovation. The introduction of TRUST and the Authority Trail highlights the project's commitment to enhancing transparency and trust within the digital asset space. ## Feature Story Visa, Google, and Coinbase are among 140 firms backing the new stablecoin Open USD. On June 30, 2026, over 140 companies from payments, banking, and crypto sectors announced the launch of Open USD, a new dollar-pegged stablecoin. Managed by an independent entity called Open Standard, Open USD aims to revolutionize global money movement by eliminating mint and redeem fees, a common barrier in existing stablecoin models. This initiative is supported by major players like Visa, Mastercard, Stripe, BlackRock, Google, and Coinbase, highlighting its potential impact on enterprise payments. Open USD is built around three key mechanics that set it apart from traditional stablecoins: shared governance, no mint or redeem fees, and a focus on enterprise adoption. The shared governance model ensures that no single issuer controls the stablecoin, promoting transparency and trust among stakeholders. By removing fees, Open USD aims to make stablecoin transactions more accessible and cost-effective for businesses, potentially driving widespread adoption in cross-border payments. The launch of Open USD comes at a time when stablecoins are rapidly gaining traction, with transaction volumes approaching those of traditional payment networks like ACH. However, businesses still face challenges such as high fees and limited access to reserve revenues. Open USD addresses these issues by offering a more inclusive and efficient solution for global commerce. As the stablecoin prepares to go live later in 2026, its success will depend on the ability to navigate regulatory landscapes and gain acceptance among enterprises worldwide. The involvement of prominent firms suggests a strong foundation for growth, but the true test will be in its adoption and integration into existing financial systems. For issuers, custodians, and payment companies, Open USD represents a new opportunity to streamline operations and reduce costs. Developers and enterprises can leverage its programmability to create innovative financial products and services. Regulators will be watching closely to ensure compliance and stability in this evolving market. As Open USD enters the stablecoin arena, it could set a new standard for how digital currencies are managed and utilized in global finance. The collaboration of over 140 firms underscores the industry's commitment to advancing digital payments and fostering a more interconnected financial ecosystem. As we look ahead, the launch of Open USD may signal a new era of stablecoin innovation, with implications for businesses, consumers, and regulators alike.