10 May, 2025

LADT Signs Blockchain Agreement with Laos Ministry of Technology and Communications

On May 9, 2025, Lao National Digital Technology Group Co., Ltd. (LADT) and the Ministry of Science and Technology of Laos officially signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement. The two parties will carry out in-depth cooperation in the construction of national blockchain infrastructure as well as the development and issuance of digital assets. This collaboration marks the first time the Laotian government has officially participated as an initiator in the construction of national-level blockchain and digital finance, signifying the acceleration of the implementation of a series of digital projects centered on the “USDA” ASEAN stablecoin.The signing ceremony was conducted on behalf of the company by LADT Chief Operating Officer Ms. Humble Wu and Legal Representative Mr. Meksavang Phommaly. Guests attending the ceremony on behalf of the Lao government included:● Mr. Khamlay Sipaseuth, Member of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and Vice President of the Lao Front for National Development● Ms. Sirilack Sayabounsou, Director General of the Department of Digital Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology● Ms. Phaiphone Bounthavong, Deputy Director General of the Department of Planning and Finance, Ministry of Science and Technology● Mr. Pasitthideth Luangvilay, Head of the Digital Information Center, Ministry of Science and Technology24 Months of Intensive Preparation: A Solid Step from Vision to ImplementationIt is reported that LADT and the Ministry of Science and Technology of Laos began exploring cooperation in 2023. Over the past 24 months, the two sides have conducted extensive testing and institutional design in areas such as national public blockchain development, stablecoin issuance, digital identity, and cross-border payments. The signing of this agreement represents the formal transition of these multi-year efforts into the implementation phase.Two particularly critical outcomes include:● Construction of the Lao National Blockchain MainnetLADT will provide a trusted digital infrastructure for future applications including e-government, supply chain finance, electronic contracts, and digital identity;● Compliant Issuance of the ASEAN Stablecoin USDAAs the first fiat-backed stablecoin intended for circulation across ASEAN, USDA’s legal and compliant issuance path has now been formally confirmed by the Laotian government.As the technical developer and compliance facilitator of the project, LADT will take the lead, while its subsidiary NewPay will be responsible for future USDA payment circulation and real-world application deployment.Strong Government Attention, Regulatory Scope Expanded to All Digital AssetsThis signing takes place against the backdrop of Decision No. 888/MOST, titled “Decision on Pilot Projects for Digital Asset Transactions”, issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology in September 2021. The decision explicitly defines “digital assets” to include both cryptocurrencies and digital tokens.Notably, the scope of this agreement has significantly expanded beyond the original focus on stablecoins. According to the terms, the Ministry of Science and Technology recognizes LADT’s future development and issuance of all types of digital assets. This policy adjustment not only provides LADT with broader regulatory support but also signals Laos’s intention to take a stronger step forward in the field of digital assets and Web3 infrastructure.A National Vision for Technological Transformation and Talent DevelopmentAfter the signing ceremony, LADT Chief Operating Officer Ms. Humble Wu was interviewed by the Vientiane Times, where she stated:“LADT is willing to leverage its years of experience and technical strength in blockchain to support the development of Lao national blockchain infrastructure, helping the country enhance its technological voice and financial influence in the ASEAN region.”She further pointed out:● LADT is committed to building an international platform that integrates research, application, and talent development. In the future, it hopes to attract outstanding blockchain and Web3 talent from around the world, especially through partnerships with local universities in Laos as well as educational institutions in China and other countries, to cultivate a workforce fit for the new era of technology;● In addition to driving technological progress, LADT also attaches great importance to social development in Laos. It is willing to shoulder more corporate social responsibility in areas such as education, basic financial services, and improving people’s livelihoods, striving to become a “responsible” national-level technology force.About LADTLao National Digital Technology Group Co., Ltd. (LADT) is a state-owned enterprise established under the supervision of the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Finance of Laos. It is dedicated to the fields of digital technology, blockchain, public blockchain development, compliant digital currency issuance, third-party payment services, and digital infrastructure construction. LADT currently serves as a key technical support entity for Laos’s digital transformation strategy.Its third-party payment brand NewPay has obtained a legal license from the Central Bank of Laos (BOL) and has integrated with major payment channels such as WeChat Pay, Alipay+, and Visa. It has been a pioneer in launching application scenarios such as eVisa, cross-border consumption, and online bill payment, becoming a vital digital bridge between Laos and the ASEAN digital economy.

07 May, 2025

Stripe Rolls Out Stablecoin Accounts in 101 Countries, as Bridge Launches USDB

Three months ago Stripe completed its $1.1 billion acquisition of stablecoin orchestration firm Bridge and yesterday it revealed that Stablecoin Financial Accounts using Bridge’s technology are now available in 101 countries. Bridge still operates independently from Stripe, but the payments firm will leverage its technology, as in this example.The stablecoin accounts particularly target businesses in countries with volatile currencies to enable them to hold dollar stablecoins. These organizations can receive money in crypto or via bank transfers and pay globally using stablecoins.While it’s not emphasized, a key advantage is the businesses don’t have to worry about self custody or relying on a cryptocurrency exchange to hold their assets. However, the company did not elaborate on who is acting as stablecoin custodian on behalf of Stripe.The list of countries where the accounts are offered mainly includes emerging market regions but excludes those with cryptocurrency laws. For example, it includes most African countries, but not major jurisdictions such as Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa.Functionally, the Stablecoin Financial Accounts will initially support USDC and Bridge’s own USDB stablecoin, which was also unveiled yesterday (not to be confused with the existing token of the same name from Blast).Bridge Unveils USDB StablecoinBridge already provides a solution to enable companies to mint their own branded stablecoins and transact with them. USDB uses the same technology, with the reserves that back the stablecoin held in bank accounts and BlackRock short term money market funds. The startup’s documentation also mentions Fidelity and fund administrator Apex as partners. Fidelity has a digital asset custody license, although it’s not clear if that’s their role.Given Bridge’s target clients are developers that want to use its infrastructure to make international payments, it will share most of the stablecoin revenues it earns on money market funds with its developer partners as fees. It also offers free transfers into USDB from other stablecoins such as USDC.“USDB introduces a more equitable model where these benefits can be shared between the issuer, developers, and end users,” the company said.Based on this, we’d speculate Bridge might be planning to provide code that supports developers offering rewards to their clients for holding stablecoins. However, that’s not allowed in some places.For example, draft legislation on stablecoins in the United States bans the payment of interest to end users by the stablecoin issuer. But it doesn’t prevent other parties paying interest, so it’s viable for developers to offer rewards. By contrast, Europe has a regime that prevents interest payments by issuers and crypto-asset service providers.The EU’s requirements would not be a priority for Bridge or Stripe, because the region is well served for payments. Stablecoin demand is driven by jurisdictions with expensive cross border payments or high inflation.Meanwhile, we previously reported that Bridge signed an agreement with Visa last week to enable its developer partners to issue Visa cards to their clients, allowing them to spend stablecoins. Merchants are paid out in their local currency.