26-2-2025 – Iconic Asian retail giant Metro Store has embarked on a groundbreaking financial initiative, announcing plans to incorporate stablecoin transactions across its expansive network of shopping centres spanning Singapore, China, and Indonesia. This bold move represents one of the most significant mainstream adoptions of cryptocurrency payment solutions in the Asian retail sector to date.
The venerable retail chain, established in 1957 and widely regarded as a cornerstone of Asian commerce, will commence its cryptocurrency journey at two strategic Singapore locations—Metro Paragon and Metro Woodlands hypermarkets. These flagship stores will serve as proving grounds for the wider implementation of digital asset payments throughout the company’s regional operations.
Through a strategic partnership with Dtcpay, a Singapore-licensed cryptocurrency payment platform, Metro will enable customers to complete transactions using several prominent stablecoins, including USDT (Tether), USDC (Circle), First Digital USD (FDUSD), and Worldwide USD (WUSD). The payment infrastructure will operate seamlessly across both physical retail environments and the company’s online shopping platforms.
Meeting evolving consumer demand in Asia’s crypto hub
“By integrating stablecoin payments, we are not just embracing the future—we are shaping it,” declared Erwin Wuisang-Oei, Metro’s Chief Operating Officer, underscoring the company’s commitment to retail innovation and enhanced customer experiences.
The timing of Metro’s cryptocurrency integration aligns perfectly with Singapore’s rapidly evolving financial landscape. Recent data from Chainalysis reveals cryptocurrency payments in Singapore approached the $1 billion threshold during the second quarter of 2024 alone, demonstrating the substantial and growing appetite for digital asset transactions in the region.
Singapore cements position as Southeast Asia’s cryptocurrency capital
This retail innovation unfolds against the backdrop of Singapore’s emergence as Southeast Asia’s dominant cryptocurrency hub. The city-state has systematically outpaced regional competitors, particularly Hong Kong, in approving operational licences for cryptocurrency enterprises. In a remarkable display of regulatory confidence, Singapore issued 13 cryptocurrency licences in 2024—more than doubling its previous annual total and reinforcing its status as a regulatory-friendly jurisdiction for digital asset businesses.
Metro’s decision to embrace cryptocurrency payments reflects a sophisticated understanding of evolving consumer preferences and positions the iconic retailer at the vanguard of retail innovation. By offering customers the flexibility to transact in their preferred digital currencies, the company is laying the groundwork for what may become the new standard in Asian retail commerce.
