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December 18, 2025
SoFi Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SOFI) announced the launch of SoFiUSD, a fully reserved U.S. dollar stablecoin issued directly by its FDIC-insured national bank, SoFi Bank, N.A.
This positions SoFi as the first nationally chartered U.S. bank to issue a stablecoin on a public, permissionless blockchain while opening its infrastructure for banks, fintechs, and enterprises to white-label or integrate the token.
Key Takeaways
- SoFiUSD is a 1:1 cash-backed stablecoin issued by FDIC-insured SoFi Bank on Ethereum.
- First U.S. national bank to issue stablecoin on public blockchain with open infrastructure access.
- Enables 24/7 instant low-cost settlements for enterprise payments and remittances.
- Partners can white-label stablecoins or integrate SoFiUSD using SoFi's regulated framework.
- Builds on SoFi's crypto trading launch; consumer access coming soon.
Announcement Details
SoFiUSD is backed 1:1 by cash reserves held at the Federal Reserve, ensuring zero liquidity or credit risk and immediate redemption capability. The stablecoin operates initially on the Ethereum blockchain, with plans for cross-chain expansion. It enables 24/7 near-instant settlements at fractional-cent costs, addressing inefficiencies in traditional payment systems like delayed processing and high fees.
CEO Anthony Noto stated: "Blockchain is a technology super cycle that will fundamentally change finance. With SoFiUSD, we’re applying our decade-built infrastructure to real-world challenges, including slow settlement, fragmented providers, and unverified reserve models."
The launch follows SoFi's November 2025 introduction of consumer crypto trading, making it the first national bank to offer direct cryptocurrency access. SoFiUSD starts with internal settlement use, with consumer rollout expected in coming months via SoFi's app for trading, remittances, and payments.
Infrastructure for Partners
SoFi positions itself as a stablecoin infrastructure provider. Partners can:
- Integrate SoFiUSD directly into payment and settlement flows.
- Issue white-label stablecoins interchangeable with SoFiUSD, leveraging SoFi's regulatory framework, operations, and reserves.
This B2B focus targets card networks, retailers, software firms, and financial institutions seeking regulated on-chain solutions. Reserves generate yield, with incentives shared among partners and holders.
Interested entities can contact crypto@sofi.org for integration.
Regulatory and Market Context
The launch aligns with the July 2025 GENIUS Act, establishing a federal framework for stablecoins under banking regulators like the OCC. This clarity enables national banks to issue compliant stablecoins without SEC oversight for payment activities.
SoFiUSD differentiates from crypto-native issuers like USDT or USDC through direct bank issuance and Fed-held reserves. It contrasts with JPMorgan's private JPM Coin.
Recent OCC interpretive letters permit banks to hold stablecoin reserves and engage in related activities.
Stablecoins facilitate faster cross-border transfers, lower costs, and access in volatile economies. SoFi plans applications in international remittances via SoFi Pay, point-of-sale, and secured accounts.
Implications for Fintech and Banking
SoFi's move bridges traditional finance and blockchain, offering bank-grade reliability on public chains. It accelerates SoFi's strategy to embed crypto across lending, payments, and infrastructure via its Galileo platform.
For institutions, it provides a compliant alternative to fragmented providers. Consumer benefits include seamless crypto-stablecoin interactions within one app.
Market reaction saw SOFI shares rise initially on the announcement, reflecting investor interest in diversified revenue from infrastructure services.
Conclusion
SoFi's SoFiUSD launch marks a milestone in regulated stablecoin adoption, combining bank reliability with public blockchain efficiency.
It positions SoFi as a key infrastructure player for institutional payments while expanding consumer crypto capabilities.
Read Next:
- Rise Stablecoin Payroll Review 2026
- The Role of Stablecoins in Monetary Policy Transmission
- The Neobank Transition Report
FAQs:
1. What is SoFiUSD?
SoFiUSD is a U.S. dollar stablecoin fully backed 1:1 by cash reserves at the Federal Reserve, issued by SoFi Bank, N.A.
2. How is SoFiUSD different from USDC or USDT?
It is directly issued by a nationally chartered U.S. bank with Fed-held reserves, offering bank oversight and immediate redemption without third-party credit risk.
3. Which blockchain does SoFiUSD use?
Initially Ethereum; cross-chain expansion planned.
4. Can consumers use SoFiUSD now?
Currently internal; broader member access expected in coming months via SoFi app.
5. How can businesses partner for SoFiUSD infrastructure?
Contact crypto@sofi.org to explore integration or white-label options.
6. Is SoFiUSD regulated?
Yes, under OCC supervision as a national bank activity, compliant with GENIUS Act framework.
Disclaimer:
This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice; no material herein should be interpreted as a recommendation, endorsement, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instrument, and readers should conduct their own independent research or consult a qualified professional.
