Singapore fintech Nium has partnered with Coinbase to integrate USDC payments into its global network, enabling transactions across over 190 countries. The integration allows for just-in-time settlement, reducing the need for prefunded accounts, and supports stablecoin-funded card programs. This move follows Nium’s recent launch of a platform for issuing stablecoin cards and aligns with broader industry efforts to expand USDC’s use in cross-border payments.
Singapore-based fintech firm Nium has selected Coinbase to integrate USDC stablecoin payments into its global network. This partnership enables customers to send, receive, and convert USDC to fiat across more than 190 countries through a single platform.
The integration utilizes Coinbase‘s infrastructure for custody, liquidity, and wallet services. According to the announcement, this allows Nium’s customers to fund cross-border payouts in USDC and settle in either stablecoins or local currencies.
Nium stated the setup supports just-in-time settlement, letting funds be deployed at payout rather than held across multiple jurisdictions. It also includes options to link stablecoin balances to card programs for real-world spending.
The company’s network supports more than 100 currencies, with local collection in 40 markets and real-time payouts in over 100 corridors. Nium holds more than 40 regulatory licenses worldwide.
This rollout follows Nium’s recent launch of a platform enabling businesses to issue stablecoin-funded cards on Visa and Mastercard networks. Balances are converted to fiat at the point of sale, with settlement and compliance handled through a single system.
USD Coin (USDC) is a dollar-pegged stablecoin launched in 2018 by Circle and Coinbase. It is designed to maintain a 1:1 value with the dollar and is backed by cash and short-term U.S. Treasury reserves.
According to DefiLlama data, USDC is the second-largest stablecoin with a market capitalization around $78 billion. It trails Tether’s USDT, which stands at roughly $188 billion.
Circle has been expanding USDC’s role in cross-border payments through several partnerships. In March, it teamed with Sasai Fintech to expand USDC payments across African corridors, targeting remittances where costs can exceed 7%.
Earlier this month, Circle teamed up with Thunes to expand USDC settlement across its global payments network spanning more than 140 countries. The integration enables near real-time cross-border transfers while reducing reliance on prefunded accounts.
Recent data indicates increasing USDC activity. A CEX.IO report found the stablecoin’s supply grew by about $2 billion in the first quarter, while Tether’s USDT declined by roughly $3 billion.
