Market Updates: Meta Introduces USDC Creator Payouts in Select Markets, Visa Expands Stablecoin Pilot Across Five Networks, Hong Kong Warns of Fake Stablecoin Tokens

Latest Market Updates: As of 30th April 2026.

In crypto markets today, stablecoins are regaining global momentum as tech firms, payment networks, and regulators move in parallel.

Meta and Visa are pushing new initiatives that point to deeper integration with payments and digital commerce, even as Hong Kong authorities warn of rising fraud risks in the sector.

Meanwhile, in the U.S., lawmakers are reviving long-stalled crypto legislation, underscoring a renewed push to define the industry’s regulatory framework.

Meta Introduces USDC Creator Payouts in Select Markets

US tech giant Meta Platforms has begun rolling out stablecoin-based payouts for select content creators in Colombia and the Philippines. This move marks a notable shift toward blockchain-native compensation models in mainstream social platforms.

Under the pilot program, creators can receive earnings in USD Coin (USDC) directly to compatible crypto wallets. Meta confirmed that transactions are via blockchain networks, including Solana and Polygon. However, users must still depend on third-party exchanges to convert these assets into local fiat currency.

The initiative could expand further, with Polygon indicating potential availability across more than 160 markets. The company argues that stablecoin payouts may reduce settlement delays while improving access to dollar-denominated assets for global creators.

This is how creators lives are improved.

Huge props to Meta for taking the lead, allowing more people to get paid however they want.

— Polygon | POL (@0xPolygon) April 29, 2026

Visa Expands Stablecoin Pilot Across Five Networks

At the same time, global payments firm Visa has expanded its stablecoin settlement pilot, adding support for several additional blockchain networks. The program, originally launched in 2023, now spans Base, Polygon, Arc, the Canton Network, and Tempo.

These newer integrations join earlier supported networks, including Ethereum, Solana, Avalanche, and Stellar. Together, they form a broader test environment for blockchain-based settlement infrastructure.

Visa reports that the pilot has already reached an annualized settlement volume of roughly $7 billion, growing at about 50% per quarter. Despite this momentum, the company emphasized that stablecoin flows remain a small fraction of its overall payment volume.

The goal of the program, according to Visa, is to evaluate whether stablecoins can meaningfully improve speed, availability, and cross-border payment efficiency.

Hong Kong Warns Over Fake Stablecoin Tokens

Meanwhile, regulators in Hong Kong have issued warnings regarding counterfeit digital tokens falsely claiming affiliation with licensed institutions.

Specifically, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), alongside HSBC and Anchorpoint Financial, identified unauthorized tokens using the names “HKDAP” and “HSBC.”

Authorities confirmed that neither institution has officially launched a stablecoin product at this stage.

The warning follows Hong Kong’s introduction of its stablecoin licensing framework in August 2025 and the granting of initial approvals to HSBC and Anchorpoint in April 2026. Both firms clarified that their official stablecoin products are still under development.

HSBC stated that its Hong Kong dollar stablecoin is expected in the second half of 2026, with distribution planned via its PayMe platform and mobile app. Meanwhile, Anchorpoint urged users to rely only on verified sources when engaging with digital assets.

US Senate to Revisit Crypto Market Structure Bill

Alongside these developments, legislative efforts in the United States are also regaining traction. Senator Thom Tillis has indicated plans to advance a long-delayed crypto market structure bill when lawmakers reconvene on May 11.

Specifically, in a media statement, Tillis said he will urge the Senate Banking Committee to schedule a markup session, noting that negotiations have resolved several outstanding issues, though some points of contention remain.

The proposed legislation aims to define the regulatory responsibilities of key US financial agencies in overseeing crypto markets. It follows the House passage of the related CLARITY Act in July.

However, progress in the Senate has been slowed by disagreements over provisions restricting exchanges’ ability to offer yield on stablecoins. Coinbase previously withdrew support, citing concerns over limitations on exchange-based yield offerings.

By contrast, banking industry groups have supported the restrictions, arguing they complement the earlier GENIUS Act framework, which already limits issuer-level yield payments.

Tillis indicated that updated legislative text will be released at least four days before the markup. Other areas under discussion include ethics rules and protections for software developers.