The United Nations is expanding its use of digital financial infrastructure after receiving a new grant from stablecoin issuer Circle, aimed at improving the speed and efficiency of humanitarian aid payments across borders. The initiative reflects a broader shift toward modern payment systems in global relief efforts.
The grant, announced at the World Economic Forum in Davos, will support the UN’s Digital Hub of Treasury Solutions (DHoTS). The program focuses on streamlining how monetary value moves across UN agencies, particularly in complex, cross-border humanitarian operations. While Circle did not disclose the size of the grant, it marks the company’s first international grant issued through the Circle Foundation.
This initiative builds on earlier collaboration between Circle, the UN Refugee Agency, and DHoTS in 2022, when USDC stablecoin payments were used to deliver assistance to displaced Ukrainians. That program demonstrated how digital currencies can reach beneficiaries faster while reducing operational friction.
According to Circle, digital financial infrastructure can reduce humanitarian aid delivery costs by up to 20%. With approximately $38 billion in annual humanitarian funding still moving through legacy systems, even modest efficiency gains could redirect significant resources toward people in need.
The stablecoin sector has grown into a $312.7 billion market, increasingly used for payments and savings worldwide. Forecasts suggest that stablecoin payment flows could reach $56.6 trillion by 2030, highlighting their potential role in global aid, development, and financial inclusion initiatives.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.