- North Dakota and Fiserv are launching Roughrider Coin, the first state-backed stablecoin in the U.S.
- The stablecoin will run on the FIUSD platform and be fully backed by U.S. dollars.
- It aims to improve bank-to-bank payments, merchant adoption, and global money flows while strengthening the state’s financial ecosystem.
The Bank of North Dakota, in partnership with Fiserv, has announced Roughrider Coin, the first-ever state-issued stablecoin in the United States. Fully backed by U.S. dollars, the coin will launch on the Fiserv digital asset platform and be made available to banks and credit unions across North Dakota in 2026. Inspired by Theodore Roosevelt’s Rough Riders, the coin is positioned to modernize payments while celebrating the state’s history.
Powered by Fiserv’s Digital Asset Infrastructure
Roughrider Coin will run on the same rails as Fiserv’s FIUSD stablecoin, announced earlier this year. The Fiserv platform processes more than 90 billion transactions annually, serving over 10,000 financial institutions and six million merchants. This foundation means the Roughrider Coin will not only be interoperable with other stablecoins but also easily integrated into merchant and banking systems, allowing for seamless adoption.
Aims: Faster Payments, Stronger Banking Ecosystem
The coin is designed to improve bank-to-bank transfers, enhance global money movement, and encourage merchant use of blockchain-powered payments. State officials see it as part of a strategy to keep North Dakota’s financial system competitive and innovative. Governor Kelly Armstrong highlighted that the initiative reflects the state’s willingness to embrace forward-looking policy and technology.
The Bigger Picture: Policy Meets Blockchain
The Roughrider Coin underscores a growing trend of governments and traditional institutions entering digital finance. With Fiserv acting as a bridge between banks and blockchain, the project has the potential to set a precedent for other U.S. states. For North Dakota, this move reinforces the Bank of North Dakota’s century-long mission to drive economic resilience while preparing for the next era of financial infrastructure.
