Amazon and Walmart Explore Launch of Stablecoins

- Main event involves major retailers exploring stablecoin initiatives.
- No formal announcements or public confirmations.
- Potential to save $14 billion annually in fees.
Amazon and Walmart are exploring plans to potentially launch USD-backed stablecoins, according to reports dated June 14, 2025, with ongoing internal evaluations and no official announcements yet made.
Retailers Amazon and Walmart’s exploration of stablecoins could disrupt payment systems and reduce transaction costs. The move aims to leverage blockchain technology, possibly saving billions in processing fees, impacting existing financial networks significantly. Stocks of payment networks have already shown initial reactions.
Amazon and Walmart are reportedly evaluating the launch of branded, USD-backed stablecoins. Internal technical and compliance teams are engaged, examining technology partnerships and regulatory pathways. However, neither company has issued public confirmations regarding these potential initiatives, maintaining silence across official channels.
Immediate effects on industries, such as payment processing, are becoming evident with Visa and Mastercard stocks reducing in value. Additionally, interchange fee implications could significantly benefit the companies. This move by Amazon and Walmart aims to disrupt existing card-based payment rails, potentially reducing costs significantly.
Market implications suggest a potential shift in financial structures, notably in interchange fee savings. If successful, the companies could achieve up to $1 billion in additional EBITDA per firm, transforming their financial landscapes considerably. “No direct quotes from company leaders have been found related to the stablecoin initiative from Amazon and Walmart, reflecting the ongoing internal evaluations without public confirmation as of June 14, 2025.”
Industry experts speculate about the structural changes within retailer payment ecosystems. Historical precedents of attempts like Facebook’s Libra faced heavy regulation, providing key insights into potential challenges. This exploration reflects a continuing trend where major retailers seriously consider blockchain applications beyond traditional ecommerce dynamics.
Market analysis shows no current on-chain impacts due to absent token issuance. Stablecoin markets and major cryptocurrencies remain unaffected. Existing USD stablecoins and payment rails might face future shifts if these retailer initiatives materialize, pending regulatory and technological developments. The legislative framework, including the GENIUS Act, potentially influences the stablecoin market landscape, underscoring the importance of governance in corporate currency issuance.