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January 7, 2026.
Barclays PLC announced its strategic investment in Ubyx Inc., a U.S.-based fintech company specializing in clearing systems for tokenized money.
This marks the British bank's first direct investment in a stablecoin-related entity, signaling a calculated entry into the regulated digital assets space.
Ubyx, founded in 2025, develops infrastructure to facilitate seamless exchanges and redemptions of tokenized bank deposits and regulated stablecoins across different issuers and institutions.
The investment underscores Barclays' commitment to exploring new forms of digital money while adhering to regulatory frameworks.
Key Takeaways
- Barclays secures first stablecoin investment via Ubyx stake for tokenized money clearing.
- Ubyx enables par-value redemptions across stablecoin issuers and banks.
- Investment boosts interoperability in regulated digital assets landscape.
- Banks like Barclays prioritize compliant blockchain infrastructure over issuance.
- Growing stablecoin market demands unified settlement systems for efficiency.
Investment Details
Barclays acquired an undisclosed stake in Ubyx through its strategic investments arm, with terms including the investment size and Ubyx's valuation not publicly revealed.
This move aligns with Barclays' broader strategy to innovate in digital assets, as articulated by Ryan Hayward, Head of Digital Assets and Strategic Investments at Barclays: "Interoperability is essential to unlock the full potential of digital assets. As the landscape of tokens, blockchains and wallets evolves, specialist technology will play a pivotal role in delivering connectivity and infrastructure to enable regulated financial institutions to interact seamlessly."
Hayward further noted Barclays' enthusiasm for partnering with Ubyx to accelerate industry innovation.
Ubyx previously secured $10 million in a 2025 seed round led by Galaxy Ventures, with participation from VanEck, Peter Thiel's Founders Fund, and Coinbase Ventures.
Venture capital arms of Coinbase and Galaxy Digital had earlier invested, according to PitchBook data. Barclays' involvement positions it alongside these crypto-native investors, bridging traditional finance with blockchain technology.
About Ubyx and Its Technology
Ubyx operates as a global clearing system designed to ensure interoperability for tokenized deposits and stablecoins.
Ubyx's platform reconciles tokens from various issuers, enabling par-value redemptions across wallets, banks, and payment systems. This addresses a key challenge in the digital assets ecosystem: fragmentation among different blockchains and issuers.
Tony Mclaughlin, CEO of Ubyx, emphasized the company's mission: "Our mission is to build a common globalised acceptance network for regulated digital money including tokenised deposits and regulated stablecoins. Bank participation is vital to provide par value redemption through regulated channels. We are entering a world in which every regulated firm offers digital wallets in addition to traditional bank accounts."
Ubyx facilitates token ubiquity by connecting multiple issuers with receiving institutions in a unified settlement environment, supporting the "singleness of money" principle where digital tokens maintain equivalent value to traditional currency.
Industry Context
The investment occurs amid surging interest in stablecoins and tokenized assets. Stablecoin circulation has grown significantly, with Tether holding $187 billion in tokens, primarily used for intra-crypto transfers. Renewed enthusiasm stems from rising crypto prices and supportive policies, including U.S. President Donald Trump's backing for blockchain integration in mainstream finance.
Traditional banks are increasingly engaging. In October 2025, Barclays joined a consortium of 10 banks, including Goldman Sachs and UBS, to explore issuing a stablecoin pegged to G7 currencies.
Other developments include Swiss banks UBS, PostFinance, and Sygnum conducting Ethereum-based transactions in proofs-of-concept, and Swift developing onchain settlement infrastructure. These efforts focus on blockchain-based stablecoin payments compliant with regulations, avoiding the volatility of unregulated cryptocurrencies.
Regulatory progress in multiple jurisdictions has encouraged adoption beyond crypto use cases. Barclays' cautious approach, previously blocking some crypto payments, now shifts toward building regulated "pipes" for digital money flows. This investment reflects a trend where banks prioritize infrastructure over direct issuance, enabling corporates to accept stablecoins and convert them seamlessly.
Implications for Digital Finance
Barclays' stake in Ubyx could accelerate the mainstreaming of tokenized money, enhancing efficiency in cross-border payments and settlements. By investing in clearing technology, Barclays positions itself to support clients in navigating digital wallets alongside traditional accounts.
Analysts note this as a step toward interoperability, crucial for scaling digital assets without compromising regulatory compliance.
The partnership emphasizes responsible development within regulatory perimeters, potentially setting standards for other institutions. As tokenized assets gain traction, such investments may drive broader adoption, reducing fragmentation and fostering a unified digital money ecosystem.
Conclusion
Barclays investment in Ubyx advances regulated digital money infrastructure, focusing on interoperability and compliance to drive efficient tokenized asset settlements.
Read Next:
- 2025 Stablecoin Year-End Report
- 2025 Stablecoin Spending Report
- Who Is Winning the Stablecoin Infrastructure Race?
FAQs:
1. What is Ubyx's core technology?
Ubyx provides a clearing system for tokenized deposits and stablecoins, ensuring seamless par-value exchanges across issuers.
2. Why did Barclays invest in Ubyx?
To explore regulated digital money forms and enhance interoperability for financial institutions.
3. How does this fit industry trends?
It aligns with banks' push for compliant blockchain payments amid rising stablecoin adoption.
4. What are stablecoins?
Cryptocurrencies pegged 1:1 to fiat, used for stable value transfers in digital ecosystems.
5. What prior funding did Ubyx receive?
$10 million seed round from Galaxy Ventures, VanEck, Founders Fund, and Coinbase Ventures.
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.
