Azuros UI Builders Hackathon Approaching

Polygon has introduced a **"stablecoin sandwich" architecture** that enables cross-border payments without end users directly handling stablecoins. **How it works:** - Sender initiates payment in their local currency (e.g., dollars) - Stablecoins facilitate the transfer in the background - Recipient receives payment in their local currency (e.g., pesos) - Neither party needs to interact with or understand stablecoins This approach abstracts away the complexity of blockchain technology while leveraging stablecoins as efficient payment rails. The architecture builds on Polygon's existing infrastructure for payments, remittances, and settlement. Read more: [What is a Stablecoin Sandwich](https://polygon.technology/blog/what-is-a-stablecoin-sandwich)

The **GENIUS Act** has established the first federal framework for payment stablecoins in the United States, providing enterprises, fintechs, and banks with regulatory clarity to implement stablecoin payment systems. **Key implications:** - Creates standardized rules for stablecoin issuers and payment providers - Removes regulatory uncertainty that previously hindered enterprise adoption - Positions the US as a leader in digital payment infrastructure Payment teams can now evaluate stablecoin integration with defined compliance requirements. [Full breakdown](https://polygon.technology/blog/the-genius-act-explained-what-enterprise-payment-teams-need-to-know)

Polygon has officially launched **sPOL**, its native liquid staking token, enabling POL stakers to maintain liquidity while earning rewards. **Key Features:** - Builds on existing POL staking rewards - Allows users to utilize staked assets in DeFi while earning - Maintains network security through staking participation The launch follows previous liquid staking options like stPOL from Stake.link, but sPOL represents Polygon's official native solution. [Learn more about sPOL](http://staking.polygon.technology/lst)

**Polygon shipped major infrastructure updates last week:** - **Frax, Curve, and DFB** launched onchain FX markets enabling currency swaps at lower costs than traditional cross-border rails. Six global stablecoin pairs now live with frxUSD as base pairing. - **Giugliano Upgrade** went live on mainnet, delivering faster finality and higher peer-to-peer throughput under load. - **Zero-gas transfers** expanded as TokenPocket extended fee-free transactions to USDT and DAI (previously USDC only). - **P2P stablecoin volume** reached $7.52B in March, showing continued adoption. Additional launches included Orbitals' international stablecoin DEX pools, Polymarket's pUSD integration, and a $100k builder fund from Hadron and Ignyte. The Blockchain Payment Consortium published draft standards for onchain payments.

Polymarket announced the launch of **pUSD**, its native stablecoin, on the Polygon network. The integration marks an expansion of Polymarket's infrastructure beyond its current deployment. pUSD will enable users to participate in prediction markets directly on Polygon's layer-2 scaling solution. **Key implications:** - Lower transaction costs for users through Polygon's efficient infrastructure - Faster settlement times compared to Ethereum mainnet - Expanded accessibility for prediction market participants The move aligns with Polygon's focus on zero-knowledge technology and Ethereum scaling solutions. No specific launch date was provided in the announcement. [Source](https://x.com/Polymarket/status/2042743133927280693?s=20)