Nu Launches U.S. Banking Operations and Unveils USDC-EURC Global

Latin American digital banking giant Nu has launched operations in the United States while introducing Nu Global, a multi-currency account designed to facilitate cross-border money movement using dollar- and euro-denominated stablecoins.

According to WuBlockchain, the U.S. offering includes deposit accounts, credit cards and international transfers provided through partner bank Lead Bank. Separately, Nu Global converts customer deposits into USDC or EURC and supports transfers across more than 35 countries. Nu said its customer base has surpassed 140 million globally.

Nu Enters U.S. Market Through Lead Bank Partnership

Nu began its U.S. operations on Sept. 10, according to a company announcement. The initial rollout is being conducted through FDIC-insured Lead Bank while Nu continues the process of establishing its own U.S. banking operation. The company received conditional approval from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in January 2026 for a national bank charter.

The U.S. launch includes deposit accounts, credit cards and domestic and international transfers. Nu's expansion places the Brazilian-founded financial technology company directly into the world's largest financial services market, where established banks and fintech financial companies compete for consumers seeking lower-cost digital banking and cross-border services.

Reuters reported that Nu's U.S. products are initially being offered through Lead Bank, with the company targeting digitally oriented consumers and the Hispanic population.

Nu Global Uses USDC and EURC for Cross-Border Transfers

Alongside its U.S. expansion, Nu introduced Nu Global, a multi-currency digital account intended for customers who regularly move money between countries.

The account converts deposits into USDC or EURC, allowing users to hold digital dollar and euro balances while transferring funds across more than 35 countries. Nu's corporate filing confirms that the product uses the two stablecoins and is initially focused on international transfers between Europe and Latin America, with Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and the U.S. among the planned markets.

The move gives stablecoins a role within a mainstream financial platform serving a customer base of more than 140 million people. It also connects Nu's traditional banking expansion with the growing use of blockchain-based digital currencies for international payments.

Stablecoin Integration Marks Next Stage of Nu Expansion

Nu's combination of conventional banking services in the U.S. and stablecoin-based international accounts represents a broader expansion beyond its core Latin American markets.

The immediate focus will be on scaling the newly launched products while Nu continues work toward its own U.S. banking charter. The regulatory status of that charter and the adoption of Nu Global across its more than 35-country network will be key developments to monitor as the company expands its international footprint.

Writer: Victoria Hale
Technology & Blockchain Writer

Victoria Hale writes about blockchain technology, digital infrastructure, and the intersection of emerging technologies with finance. Her articles explore how new protocols and systems are shaping the evolving digital economy.

She prioritises clarity and accuracy when explaining technical developments to a general audience.