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- PayPal expands PYUSD to 70 countries, targeting cheaper global payments.
- Stablecoin adoption is rising rapidly, with PYUSD reaching $4.1B supply.
- Metaplanet raises $255M to aggressively grow its Bitcoin treasury.
PayPal is accelerating its push into global digital finance, expanding its PYUSD stablecoin to 70 countries, while Japan’s Metaplanet is ramping up its Bitcoin accumulation with a fresh $255 million capital raise. Together, these moves highlight a growing shift: digital assets are increasingly being used for real-world payments and corporate treasury strategies.
PayPal Targets Global Payments Pain Points
PayPal’s latest rollout adds 68 new countries across Africa, Asia, and South America, opening access to its dollar-pegged PYUSD stablecoin beyond the U.S. and U.K. Users in these regions can now hold, send, and receive PYUSD directly within their PayPal wallets, while also earning up to 4% on balances.
The expansion focuses on markets where cross-border payments remain expensive and inefficient. Traditional remittance systems often involve high fees and forced currency conversions, eroding value for users. By contrast, PYUSD allows individuals to move dollar-equivalent funds quickly and at lower cost.
This approach could be especially relevant in countries facing inflation or limited banking access. For users in places like Colombia, Uganda, or Peru, stablecoins offer a more stable store of value compared to local currencies.
PYUSD Growth Signals Rising Stablecoin Adoption
PYUSD has seen rapid growth since launch, with its circulating supply reaching approximately 4.1 billion tokens. The stablecoin is backed by U.S. dollar reserves and short-term Treasuries, helping it maintain its $1 peg.
Much of its supply sits on Ethereum, though PayPal has expanded to other networks like Solana, Arbitrum, and Stellar to improve transaction speed and reduce fees. This multi-chain strategy has helped fuel adoption, positioning PYUSD among the top stablecoins globally—though still behind leaders like USDT and USDC.
Despite its growth, critics note that PYUSD remains fully custodial and tied to PayPal’s ecosystem, raising questions about decentralization. Still, its ease of use and integration with PayPal and Venmo give it a strong edge among mainstream users.
Metaplanet Raises $255M to Boost Bitcoin Holdings
Meanwhile, Tokyo-listed Metaplanet is taking a different approach to crypto adoption—treating Bitcoin as a core treasury asset. The firm has secured $255 million from institutional investors through a share and warrant offering, with the potential to raise over $500 million if fully exercised.
The company currently holds more than 35,000 BTC, valued at roughly $2.57 billion, and aims to accumulate 100,000 BTC by 2026 and 210,000 BTC by 2027. Its strategy mirrors that of major corporate Bitcoin holders, leveraging equity financing to increase exposure.
CEO Simon Gerovich has emphasized transparency and long-term conviction, even amid market volatility. The company is also expanding into Bitcoin infrastructure through new subsidiaries, signaling a broader commitment beyond simple accumulation.
Also Read: Stripe’s $159B Power Play: Is a PayPal Acquisition Next?
PayPal and Metaplanet represent two distinct but complementary trends in the crypto market. While PayPal is focusing on everyday financial utility through stablecoins, Metaplanet is betting on Bitcoin as a long-term store of value.
Together, these strategies point to a maturing digital asset landscape—where crypto is no longer just speculative, but increasingly embedded in global finance.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.
I’m a crypto enthusiast with a background in finance. I’m fascinated by the potential of crypto to disrupt traditional financial systems. I’m always on the lookout for new and innovative projects in the space. I believe that crypto has the potential to create a more equitable and inclusive financial system.
