Three Years of Impact: How MoneyGram is Unlocking Financial Accessibility on Stellar

Three years ago today, MoneyGram launched its pioneering crypto-to-cash service on the Stellar network. This collaboration aimed to tackle one of the biggest challenges in crypto adoption: global accessibility for real-world use. Since integrating Stellar, MoneyGram has achieved numerous milestones, creating the world’s largest cash on and off-ramp network through digital wallets – connecting the power of blockchain and speed of stablecoins with local economies around the globe.

With its crypto-to-cash presence in over 170 countries, MoneyGram enables individuals to tap into the benefits of stablecoins through this solution. Rather than crypto payments being a barrier for people due to technical complexities, MoneyGram simplifies the experience. Users can easily access a digital wallet that supports the service and converts between digital currencies and local cash.

To date, the service has facilitated nearly $30 million in total transaction volume, signifying a growing demand for a bridge between traditional finance and digital assets. Some of the top countries for cash-in and cash-out transactions since its launch include: the United States, Canada, Poland, Ukraine, Colombia, Mexico, Uganda, United Kingdom and Ecuador.

"What began as a vision to make the global financial system more inclusive through stablecoin adoption is now becoming a reality,” said Denelle Dixon, CEO and Executive Director of the Stellar Development Foundation. "The digital asset infrastructure of Stellar paired with MoneyGram’s global network offers an unprecedented solution for bridging cash to crypto and cross-border payments. We’re glad to see the difference it’s making for everyday access to the future of financial services on a global scale."

Since 2021, MoneyGram and Stellar have remained committed to continually enhancing the service for wallets and end users. Earlier this year, MoneyGram launched MoneyGram Ramps, the latest evolution of the MoneyGram APIs – purpose-built by developers, this is the most powerful version yet. Now, with just a few lines of code, wallets, exchanges and fintech apps can instantly access the MoneyGram global cash network, making it easier than ever to embed crypto on/off-ramp functionality at scale.

Empowering Real People, like Luis

Luis shared his story on how he’s used Decaf wallet with MoneyGram Ramps as an alternative to local banking options in Mexico. He received his salary in USDC through the Stellar Disbursements Platform (SDP) via Decaf, allowing him to cash out locally with MoneyGram when needed, or send money to his family in Venezuela. The simplified access to receiving payments in stablecoins made it possible for Luis to send money and save securely in an alternative way, eventually being able to put a down payment on a home for his aunt.

Wallets integrated with MoneyGram Ramps, like Decaf, provide an avenue for more reliable payment rails and saving mechanisms for anyone with access to one of thousands of MoneyGram locations globally. Through the MoneyGram and Stellar partnership, making everyday payments with stablecoins comes with the ease and familiarity of cash – but faster, more affordable and more accessible.

Distributing Aid with Speed and Security

One of the most impactful uses of this service is its ability to deliver humanitarian aid quickly and securely. During the past three years, the solution has been used to give people around the world access to immediate funds.

Organizations like UNHCR and IRC use the Stellar network to send aid as USDC directly to recipients’ digital wallets. With or without a bank account, recipients can access and safely hold their funds via a wallet. When they need cash and feel it’s safe to carry cash, they can cash out at a nearby MoneyGram location, converting USDC to local currency for immediate use.

Protecting Consumers and Providing Trust

Alongside the importance of accessibility, compliance remains a foundational component. In addition to benefiting from MoneyGram’s leading compliance and consumer protection program, integrated wallets use Stellar’s SEP-24 standard to streamline know-your-customer (KYC) requirements, ensuring consistency across wallet providers.

The result is regulated, interoperable infrastructure that delivers compliant, real-world utility. Blockchain and stablecoins won’t scale without trust, and trust comes from strong compliance and consumer protection programs like these.

Building for the Future, Together

This is just the beginning of a more financially inclusive future. In only three years, MoneyGram and Stellar have proven that real-world blockchain adoption is not only possible… it’s transformative. The integration stands as a powerful example of how digital assets and traditional finance can work together to empower individuals and businesses with new, accessible tools that cater to their unmet needs.

“Our partnership with Stellar reflects MoneyGram’s commitment to expanding access in bold new ways,” said Luke Tuttle, Chief Technology Officer at MoneyGram. “With a rich history of reinvention, we’re consistently embracing opportunities to democratize financial access. As we transform into a modern fintech, we see blockchain as a key driver of our next chapter – fueling innovation and growth across our global network.”

Tuttle continued: “Since launching our on/off-ramp with Stellar three years ago, we’ve emerged as a progressive leader in the space, now better positioned than ever to serve the underbanked. We’re excited to keep leveraging the power of blockchain to uplift communities worldwide and help build a more inclusive financial future.”