Global payments infrastructure provider Thunes and Coinbase have announced a strategic collaboration to connect stablecoin-based payments with traditional financial systems.
Announced at Money20/20 USA 2026, the strategic collaboration will combine Coinbase’s stablecoin solutions with Thunes’ international payout network, enabling broader access to local bank accounts and mobile wallets for cross-border payments.
Global payments infrastructure provider Thunes and Coinbase have announced a strategic collaboration to connect stablecoin-based payments with traditional financial systems. Unveiled on October 19 at Money20/20 USA in Las Vegas, the agreement brings together Coinbase’s digital asset infrastructure and Thunes’ Direct Global Network.
The partnership is designed to support cross-border payments for businesses and consumers, including international supplier payments, gig economy payouts and remittances.
Under the agreement, Coinbase will provide stablecoin infrastructure to Thunes, while Thunes will extend Coinbase’s reach into local clearing systems, bank accounts and mobile wallets.
Connecting Stablecoins to Local Payment Networks
Coinbase will integrate Thunes’ Direct Global Network into its platform, allowing customers to access domestic payment systems and alternative payout methods through a single infrastructure connection.
Thunes’ existing network supports real-time payments across more than 140 countries and over 90 currencies. The company reports connectivity to more than 12 billion mobile wallets, stablecoin wallets and bank accounts, alongside 15 billion cards through more than 220 payment methods.
These figures represent the reach of Thunes’ broader network. The companies have not disclosed the specific markets or launch timetable for services delivered through the new collaboration.
The arrangement is expected to improve payment accessibility in markets where traditional banking infrastructure is limited and recipients frequently rely on mobile wallets or local payment methods.
Coinbase to Support Thunes’ Stablecoin Infrastructure
The collaboration also works in the opposite direction. Coinbase will supply stablecoin solutions to support Thunes’ integration of digital assets into its global payment infrastructure.
By connecting blockchain-based transfers with domestic payout networks, the companies aim to support payment flows that begin with digital assets and end with funds delivered through familiar local financial channels.
This approach addresses a significant operational requirement for cross-border stablecoin payments: recipients need access to money through the bank accounts and payment services they already use.
“Digital assets have become a core part of our financial ecosystem, but connecting digital currencies to fiat and local domestic financial systems remains essential for real-world utility,” said Chloé Mayenobe, Deputy CEO at Thunes.
Mayenobe highlighted Thunes’ role in connecting traditional finance, mobile wallets and digital assets through its international payment network.
Expanding Corporate and Consumer Payment Use Cases
The partnership targets several areas of international payments.
Businesses could use the combined infrastructure for supplier payments across different markets, while gig economy platforms could support payouts to workers through local banking and mobile payment systems.
International remittance providers could also benefit from closer integration between stablecoin settlement infrastructure and domestic payout networks.
Alec Lovett, Head of Infrastructure Products at Coinbase, emphasized the importance of local payout connectivity in realizing the potential of stablecoins for global payments.
He said the collaboration is intended to improve payment delivery across more countries and currencies by connecting digital asset infrastructure to established payout channels.
Stablecoins Move Closer to Payment Infrastructure
Thunes’ network already serves financial institutions, payment service providers, fintech companies and international businesses. Its members include companies such as Uber, Deliveroo and Grab.
The integration with Coinbase is designed to extend the network’s capabilities by incorporating stablecoin infrastructure more deeply into international payment flows.
The companies have not announced partnership-specific transaction volumes, commercial terms or a rollout schedule.
The collaboration reflects a broader development in cross-border payments, where stablecoins are increasingly being connected to local payment infrastructure. The ability to move value across blockchain networks is becoming closely linked to access to domestic clearing systems, bank accounts and mobile wallets.
For financial institutions and payment providers, the effectiveness of this model will depend on integration capabilities, compliance requirements, coverage and the practical availability of local payout services.
