In a strategic move to bolster its blockchain payment capabilities, the Monad Foundation has announced the acquisition of Portal Labs, a prominent player in stablecoin infrastructure. This development, unveiled on July 10, 2025, marks a significant step for Monad, a high-speed layer-1 blockchain that boasts compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) and processes over 10,000 transactions per second. By integrating Portal Labs’ expertise in stablecoin payments, Monad aims to enhance the tools available for developers and fintech companies eager to leverage digital dollars.
A New Chapter in Blockchain Payments
The acquisition signifies Monad’s ambition to carve out a larger slice of the burgeoning stablecoin market, which is rapidly gaining traction in the financial sector. Portal Labs, known for its embedded wallet infrastructure designed specifically for stablecoin transactions, will continue to operate under its own brand as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Monad. In a noteworthy personnel shift, Raj Parekh, co-founder of Portal Labs and a former executive with Visa’s global crypto division, will join Monad as the head of payments and stablecoins, bringing with him a wealth of experience in digital currencies.
This move comes at a time when stablecoins are becoming a focal point for financial institutions worldwide. Stablecoins, which are cryptocurrencies pegged to external assets like the U.S. dollar, offer the promise of faster, cheaper transactions utilizing blockchain technology. According to analysts at Citigroup, the stablecoin market could balloon to a staggering $3.7 trillion by 2030, contingent on favorable regulatory developments. For a broader perspective on the market’s potential, see JPMorgan’s analysis of the stablecoin market.
The Stakes Are Rising
The acquisition trend is palpable as the stablecoin landscape heats up. Recently, payments firm Stripe made headlines by acquiring stablecoin infrastructure company Bridge and wallet platform Privy, signaling a broader industry push towards blockchain-based payment solutions. “Payments are a killer use case for blockchains and present an exciting unlock for widespread crypto adoption,” noted Keone Hon, co-founder and general manager at Monad Foundation. He emphasized that Portal’s robust stablecoin infrastructure will provide enterprises and developers with ready-to-use solutions, facilitating the integration of stablecoin payments into their platforms and applications. This mirrors industry movements such as Ripple’s expansion of its stablecoin infrastructure, highlighting the competitive nature of the stablecoin sector.
The integration of stablecoins into mainstream financial systems isn’t just a tech upgrade—it’s a paradigm shift. By enabling seamless cross-border transactions and reducing reliance on traditional banking channels, stablecoins are poised to revolutionize the way money moves across the globe. Yet, this shift isn’t free from challenges; regulatory clarity remains a critical factor that could either propel or hinder the stablecoin revolution.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges
While the potential of stablecoins is undeniable, the path forward is fraught with uncertainties. Questions loom large about how governments will regulate these digital assets, especially as they intersect with traditional financial systems. Moreover, the integration of stablecoins into existing financial infrastructure requires overcoming technological and operational hurdles.
Nonetheless, the acquisition of Portal Labs positions Monad well in the race to dominate the stablecoin payment space. By harnessing Portal’s cutting-edge technology, Monad is poised to offer unrivaled solutions to developers and businesses looking to adopt stablecoin payments. As the digital currency landscape continues to evolve, Monad’s proactive approach could set a precedent for other blockchain platforms seeking to capitalize on the stablecoin trend.
The future of money—digital, fast, and borderless—appears closer than ever, raising intriguing questions about the role of stablecoins in the global financial ecosystem. Will regulatory frameworks adapt swiftly enough to accommodate this new class of assets? And can stablecoins deliver on their promise of transforming international payments? Only time will tell, but with the strategic acquisition of Portal Labs, Monad is betting big on stablecoins leading the charge.
Source
This article is based on: Monad Acquires Portal Labs to Expand Stablecoin Payments on High-Speed Blockchain
Further Reading
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Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
