XDC Network acquires Contour to boost stablecoins in trade finance

TLDR

• XDC Ventures acquired Contour, a trade finance platform backed by HSBC and Citi.
• The platform will now focus on stablecoin integration and blockchain payments.
• XDC launched a Stablecoin Lab to pilot USDC in trade settlement tests.
• Regulator testing will begin across the U.S., EU, and Asia for compliance.

XDC Network’s venture arm has acquired Contour Network, a former bank-backed digital trade finance platform. The move is part of XDC’s strategy to modernize global trade finance using blockchain and stablecoins. By injecting new capital and restructuring Contour, XDC aims to streamline trade transactions from documentation to final settlement. This acquisition marks a new step in using blockchain rails for faster and more efficient trade processes across borders.

Acquisition Aims to Restructure and Revive Contour

XDC Ventures has confirmed the acquisition of Contour Network, a blockchain-based trade finance platform. Contour was previously supported by large global banks, including HSBC, Citi, and Standard Chartered. The platform was known for digitizing Letters of Credit, which are key financial tools used in global trade.

However, despite the backing, Contour was unable to scale operations and shut down in late 2023. XDC Ventures now plans to restart the platform with new investment and a different approach. The goal is to improve the use of stablecoins in trade finance and offer an end-to-end system that covers the entire trade process.

The price of the acquisition was not made public. XDC said it will focus on upgrading Contour’s systems and integrating blockchain-based settlement layers into its core structure. The updated platform is expected to help banks and businesses settle international trades faster and at lower cost.

Focus on Stablecoin Integration and Blockchain Settlement

A key part of the new strategy is stablecoin usage in trade finance. XDC Network is building tools to let companies settle payments using regulated stablecoins such as USDC. This could replace the slow and expensive payment rails that trade finance traditionally relies on.

As part of this effort, XDC Ventures has launched a new “Stablecoin Lab” to test pilot programs with banks and companies. These programs will look at how stablecoins can be used for real-time trade settlement. XDC said the tests will be done with regulators in the U.S., EU, and Asia to ensure compliance with local rules.

“Stablecoins can help modernize global trade settlements,” said Ritesh Kakkad, co-founder of XDC Network and XDC Ventures. “We’re working with regulators to make that possible.”

XDC’s blockchain infrastructure supports two-second settlement times and follows ISO 20022 messaging standards, making it suitable for global financial institutions. These features are expected to support the new Contour platform and allow faster processing of trade documentation and payments.

Broader Efforts in Real-World Asset Tokenization

The acquisition comes as the financial sector continues to explore real-world asset (RWA) tokenization. This refers to converting real assets like trade documents, commodities, or receivables into digital tokens on a blockchain. Many firms believe this method can cut costs and reduce settlement time in global trade.

A report by Ripple and Boston Consulting Group earlier in 2025 said that using blockchain and tokenization in trade finance could save billions annually. XDC is positioning itself as a key network for this transition. It has already formed partnerships with Circle, Deutsche Telekom MMS, and Securitize to support RWA tokenization.

XDC has also adopted technical frameworks such as MLETR and R3 Corda, which help with cross-border digital finance operations. These frameworks will support the integration of Contour’s platform into XDC’s network.

Looking Ahead: Testing with Global Regulators

XDC’s updated Contour platform is expected to enter the testing phase soon. The company said it will work closely with regulators in key regions, including North America, Europe, and Asia. The tests will focus on how regulated stablecoins and digital Letters of Credit can be used in real-world trade.

Contour had previously reduced processing times from several days to just a few hours. XDC aims to improve on that by adding smart contracts and automated settlement tools. The long-term goal is to allow banks and corporates to complete trade deals entirely through blockchain systems.

With these changes, XDC Ventures is looking to modernize trade finance infrastructure and make blockchain tools part of everyday global trade operations.

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