Tether reveals new strategic investment in SQRIL. A real-time cross-border QR code payment platform focused on emerging markets. The two companies did not disclose the size of the investment. However, both sides confirmed that this funding is aimed at accelerating the development of stablecoin-enabled payment infrastructure.
Stablecoin giant Tether has announced an investment in SQRIL, a real-time cross-border QR code payment platform. The size of the investment was not disclosed. SQRIL is currently focused on markets in Asia, Africa, and Latin America and can be integrated with traditional markets via APIs.
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The move is in line with Tether’s broader efforts to expand real-world use cases for stablecoins. Beyond trading and crypto-native remittances. Instead, the focus is shifting to day-to-day payments. This is especially true in areas where access to traditional banks remains limited.
SQRIL functions and operational locations
SQRIL operates a payments API that enables banks, fintech companies, and digital wallets to support cross-border QR code scanning-to-payment transactions. Users pay in their home currency. The seller, on the other hand, receives funds in the local currency. SQRIL handles foreign exchange conversion and local payments in the background.
The platform is currently targeting Asia, Africa, and Latin America. These regions have seen rapid adoption of national QR payment systems over the past decade. Countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia already support SQRIL’s QR payment flows. Bank transfer facility is also available in Malaysia and Thailand. More countries are expected to come online in all three regions during the first quarter of 2026, according to SQRIL. This expansion reflects the growing demand for instant and low-cost payment methods that work across borders.
Stablecoin and QR code merge
This partnership highlights the growing overlap between stablecoins and QR-based payments. In many emerging markets, QR codes already serve as the primary payment interface for consumers and merchants. On the other hand, stablecoins offer faster settlements and lower cross-border costs compared to traditional correspondent bank rails.
SQRIL’s system allows for integration with both traditional and digital financial institutions. These include large international banks such as Barclays and Bank of America. The same goes for digital platforms like Venmo, Revolut, and Cash App. Through a single API, these institutions can enable users to scan local QR codes abroad without opening a new account or wallet. Tether said the investment will help it explore deeper integration between stablecoins and QR-based payment flows. This includes improving payment speed, liquidity management and cross-border efficiency.
Why emerging markets matter
QR payments dominate large parts of Asia and continue to grow across Africa and Latin America. In many cases, these systems completely skipped the card infrastructure. As a result, QR codes have become the default payment method for everyday transactions, from transportation to retail. SQRIL leadership argues that this trend has the potential to reverse the normal flow of technology. Rather than innovation moving from developed markets to emerging markets. QR-based payments have the potential to spread globally from these regions.
For Tether, this investment reflects a realistic bet. Stablecoins already process trillions of dollars annually. Incorporating these into existing QR payment networks could extend their reach to physical commerce and cross-border spending. This agreement suggests that stablecoin adoption in 2026 may be less subject to speculation. It also details the infrastructure that is quietly integrated into the way people already pay.
