Harrisburg, PA (May 15, 2026) |
CrossState Credit Union Association and Metallicus today announced the launch of its Innovation Program 2.0 designed to help credit unions better evaluate stablecoins, digital identity, blockchain infrastructure, and faster payments through executive education, sandbox testing, and strategic collaboration.
The initiative launches with an initial cohort of 50 participating credit unions across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, creating one of the largest coordinated stablecoin and blockchain initiatives among regional credit union associations.
As credit unions continue evaluating ways to modernize payments, strengthen fraud prevention, and prepare for emerging digital financial infrastructure, initiatives focused on blockchain, stablecoins, and digital identity are gaining increased attention across the industry.
Through this partnership, CrossState member credit unions will gain direct access to tools and resources designed to help them evaluate emerging technologies without operational disruption, core integration requirements, or member-facing risk.
“Credit unions are looking for practical ways to better understand how emerging technologies may impact payments, operations, fraud prevention, and member experience,” said Patrick Conway, President & CEO of CrossState Credit Union Association. “This initiative gives our member credit unions access to education, collaboration, and hands-on evaluation opportunities that support informed decision-making while maintaining the governance and trust that credit unions are known for."
The Stablecoin Sandbox Program allows participating credit unions to test a personalized, credit union-branded stablecoin within a simulated environment. The sandbox helps leadership teams better understand issuance models, permissions, transaction flows, governance, and operational considerations without using real funds, reserves, or member accounts.
“Launching this initiative with CrossState and an initial 50-credit-union commitment creates immediate momentum for collaborative learning,” said Frank Mazza, Director of Blockchain and Digital Assets for Credit Unions at Metallicus. “Our goal is to help credit unions better understand how stablecoins, digital identity, and faster payments may support future operational and member service strategies.”
Participating credit unions will be able to explore strategic areas including:
• Faster Payments and Digital Wallet Infrastructure
• Credit Union-Branded Stablecoins
• Digital Identity and Fraud Prevention
• Compliance Automation and Auditability
• Treasury Management Workflows
• Cross-Border Payments
The Innovation Program reflects growing interest across the credit union movement in exploring blockchain and digital asset technologies through collaborative education, strategic evaluation, and innovation-focused partnerships.