Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, Citi, Deutsche Bank and other major financial institutions are joining forces to develop a new US dollar backed stablecoin, with the digital currency targeted for launch in the first half of 2027.
A total of 21 financial institutions are backing the initiative. The group plans to establish a new company in the second half of 2026 to support the stablecoin project, subject to closing conditions. The move signals growing interest among traditional banks in using blockchain technology for payments and digital asset transactions.
The planned stablecoin will initially be denominated in US dollars, with the group also looking to expand into other major currencies. A euro denominated stablecoin is expected to be a priority as the project develops.
21 Financial Institutions Back New Stablecoin
The initiative brings together banks and financial companies from North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
The participants include Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, Citi, Wells Fargo, UBS, Deutsche Bank, Santander, BBVA, MUFG Bank and other major financial institutions.
The project has grown considerably since it was first announced in October 2025, when 10 banks were involved. The expanded group now plans to move ahead with a dedicated company and a stablecoin designed for a range of financial uses.
The new digital currency is expected to be available for wholesale, institutional and retail applications, including cross border payments and digital asset settlements.
Why Banks Are Turning to Stablecoins
Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies designed to maintain a stable value by being linked to assets such as the US dollar. They have become an important part of the wider digital-asset market, particularly for moving money and trading cryptocurrencies.
The growing involvement of major banks suggests that stablecoins are moving beyond their traditional role in the crypto market.
Financial institutions are increasingly exploring blockchain as a way to make payments and settlements faster and more efficient. A bank backed stablecoin could give businesses and institutions another way to move digital money while retaining links to traditional currencies.
The planned project also reflects the growing competition between established financial institutions and cryptocurrency companies in the digital-payments space.
Dollar Stablecoin First, Euro Next
The consortium plans to begin with a US dollar denominated stablecoin before expanding into other G7 currencies.
The euro is expected to be the first major priority for expansion. If the project moves forward as planned, customers could eventually have access to bank backed digital currencies linked to several major global currencies.
The group is not the only collection of financial institutions exploring this market. A separate consortium of 37 financial institutions has established Qivalis and plans to introduce a euro-pegged stablecoin.
Some banks, including Spain’s BBVA, are involved in both initiatives, showing how financial institutions are exploring several approaches to digital currencies at the same time.
Competition From Tether and Other Stablecoins
The new bank backed stablecoin will enter a market that is already dominated by established cryptocurrency companies.
Tether remains the largest issuer of dollar pegged stablecoins and says more than $180 billion worth of its token has been issued. The company generates significant revenue by investing the reserves backing its stablecoin in assets including US Treasury securities.
Banks may therefore face a challenge in convincing customers to switch to new stablecoins when established digital currencies already have large user bases and deep liquidity.
There is also limited evidence so far that bank-issued stablecoins have achieved widespread adoption. French bank Societe Generale launched a dollar-backed stablecoin through its digital-assets business last year, but the token has remained relatively small, with around $12.5 million in circulation.
Regulation Will Remain Important
Regulation will be another major factor as banks move deeper into the stablecoin market.
The financial institutions involved in the new project say the initiative will be designed to meet applicable regulatory requirements, including rules in the United States and European Union.
At the same time, central bankers have raised concerns about the potential impact of privately issued stablecoins. European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has warned that privately issued digital currencies could create risks for monetary policy and financial stability.
What the 2027 Launch Could Mean
The planned launch could mark an important development for both traditional banking and the cryptocurrency industry.
For years, stablecoins have largely been associated with crypto companies. The involvement of some of the world’s biggest banks shows that financial institutions now see potential uses for digital currencies within mainstream payments and financial services.
If the project launches as planned, the first half of 2027 could bring a new bank-backed dollar stablecoin to the market.
The consortium’s longer term plans could be even more significant. With a euro stablecoin already being considered as a priority, the initiative could eventually expand across several major currencies and create a broader bridge between traditional banking and digital finance.