Circle Foundation is funding new digital payment trials for the United Nations, with projects focused on development programs and humanitarian aid. The foundation announced two grants on September 25 for payment initiatives run by UNDP and WFP.
The projects will test whether regulated payment stablecoins can move funds faster and at lower cost. UNDP will expand digital payment options across country offices, while WFP plans trials across two to three payment corridors.
UNDP Expands Digital Payment Work
UNDP will establish a Digital Asset Innovation Pool through the grant. The pool will help country offices assess regulated stablecoins alongside existing banking channels.
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UNDP will track payment speed, costs, reach and safeguards. Earlier pilots covered Syria, Haiti, Guatemala and The Gambia.
A cash-for-work pilot in Syria cut distribution costs from 10% to 2%. The new pool will assess where similar payment tools could fit across UNDP operations.
WFP Builds Stablecoin Payment Systems
WFP will develop governance, compliance, treasury and reconciliation systems before testing stablecoin payments. It will also connect local fintech and mobile-money providers.
The trials will examine efficiency, transparency and resilience across multiple markets. WFP plans to test two to three payment corridors over three years.
Circle Foundation said the grants will provide evidence for future payment decisions. The projects will focus on practical measures such as cost, speed and access.