Bank of England trials digital pound and stablecoin system to speed SME international payments.

The Bank of England has launched trials connecting digital pound infrastructure with stablecoins to improve cross-border payments for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Partnering with Polygon Labs, NOBO Finance, and Dun & Bradstreet, the initiative tests faster settlement processes and portable credit verification to reduce financing barriers for SMEs. The trial explores dual-currency settlements where exporters receive stablecoins and UK importers pay with digital pounds, aiming to streamline international trade finance. This project is part of the Bank's broader research into digital currencies and next-generation payment systems, though no consumer digital pound launch is yet planned.