TLDR;
- Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi says stablecoins could reduce friction in international payments.
- The company sees potential in blockchain to speed up driver payouts and lower transaction costs.
- No formal rollout has been announced, but Uber is actively evaluating digital asset solutions.
- Regulatory compliance will be key if Uber integrates stablecoins into its payment infrastructure.
Uber is exploring the use of stablecoins to address the costly and complex problem of cross-border payments, a move that could reshape how the global ride-hailing giant interacts with drivers and customers in international markets.
Speaking at the Bloomberg Technology Summit in San Francisco on Thursday, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi hinted that digital assets could help reduce payment inefficiencies, especially in regions with volatile currencies or high remittance costs.
Khosrowshahi Eyes Blockchain
While discussing the company’s broader strategy, Khosrowshahi acknowledged the ongoing challenge of moving money across borders.
“When you think about global mobility of money, the friction is still significant. If you think about the advantages of stablecoins as a store of value and as a medium of exchange, especially in the global context, it’s actually quite interesting.” He stated.
This openness to blockchain-based payment rails aligns with Uber’s wider vision of becoming not just a transportation platform, but a seamless ecosystem for commerce and work. By potentially integrating stablecoins, Uber could offer faster, cheaper payments to its global workforce, particularly drivers and couriers who often face long delays or high transfer fees when receiving payouts internationally.
Tech-Led Strategy
During the panel, Khosrowshahi spoke broadly about Uber’s evolution into a platform that focuses on customer lifetime value rather than separate products. From delivering morning coffee en route to the office to offering bundled perks via Uber One membership, the company is investing heavily in personalization and long-term engagement.
His remarks on stablecoins came as part of a wider reflection on how technology could deepen customer relationships and streamline backend operations. Though he stopped short of announcing any immediate rollout, the comments mark a notable shift in how major tech companies are publicly addressing the utility of crypto assets, particularly in operational contexts rather than speculation.
Uber’s Global Reach May Boost Stablecoins
Uber operates in over 70 countries and completes tens of millions of trips daily. That scale gives it a powerful testing ground for blockchain-based financial tools. Stablecoins, which are designed to maintain a consistent value relative to fiat currencies, offer a potential solution to the high cost of currency conversion, delayed settlements, and limited access to banking infrastructure in many regions.
The company already manages complex payout structures to drivers and delivery workers across the globe. By introducing stablecoin options, Uber could reduce dependency on traditional banking rails, cut fees, and offer faster liquidity, particularly in emerging markets where financial services are less reliable.
Regulatory Questions Still Loom
Despite the enthusiasm, any move toward stablecoin adoption would likely face regulatory scrutiny. Uber would need to carefully navigate varying rules across jurisdictions, including anti-money laundering laws, tax implications, and consumer protection standards. The company has not disclosed which blockchain networks or stablecoin providers it might consider, nor whether trials or partnerships are underway.
Still, Khosrowshahi’s remarks suggest that Uber is actively considering digital currencies not as hype, but as a utility with practical use cases. For a company operating at the intersection of logistics, finance, and technology, stablecoins may be more than just an experiment. They could be part of a new operational model aimed at making global commerce work more efficiently.
