Deep Dive
1. Multichain Expansion via LayerZero (19 September 2025)
Overview: PYUSD introduced PYUSD0, a permissionless version powered by LayerZero’s OFT standard, expanding to Abstract, Aptos, Avalanche, Sei, Stable, and Tron. Existing bridged tokens on Berachain and Flow upgraded to PYUSD0.
This integration allows users to move PYUSD across 140+ chains via Stargate Hydra, reducing reliance on centralized bridges. Developers can now build PYUSD into apps on these networks without permissioned access.
What this means: This is bullish for PYUSD because cross-chain flexibility increases its utility in DeFi and global payments. Lower fees and broader accessibility could drive adoption among PayPal’s 434M users. (Source)
2. Stellar Integration Approval (18 August 2025)
Overview: The New York Department of Financial Services approved PYUSD’s issuance on Stellar, targeting faster settlement (5-second finality) and micropayments.
Stellar’s infrastructure supports instant PYUSD conversions to fiat via partnerships with banks and cash networks. This aligns with PayPal’s focus on SME cross-border transactions.
What this means: This is neutral for PYUSD as regulatory compliance is prioritized, but faster, cheaper transactions could attract businesses needing real-time liquidity. (Source)
3. Arbitrum Layer-2 Deployment (16 July 2025)
Overview: PYUSD launched on Arbitrum, leveraging its Ethereum-compatible Layer-2 scaling to reduce gas fees by ~90% compared to Ethereum mainnet.
The integration included a $100K weekly purchase limit and $25K send cap, balancing accessibility with risk controls.
What this means: This is bullish for PYUSD because cheaper transactions enhance its use in DeFi protocols on Arbitrum, potentially boosting liquidity. (Source)
Conclusion
PYUSD is aggressively pursuing multi-chain interoperability to compete with USDT and USDC, prioritizing cost efficiency (Arbitrum), regulatory compliance (Stellar), and developer flexibility (LayerZero). Will cross-chain liquidity fragmentation offset these gains as PYUSD spreads across networks?