What is Portugal's first stablecoin?
- Portugal Business News - Valerie Charoux
- 28 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Financial News Portugal - Portugal launched its first stablecoin through Portuguese bank Bison Bank, the 'Bison Bank Electronic Money Token' on May 6, 2026.
What is Portugal's first stablecoin?
Portugal's first stablecoin, the 'Bison Bank Electronic Money Token' that was launched in May 2026, is a digital asset issued in two cryptocurrencies: one referenced to the Euro, designated 'EUB', and the other referenced to the US Dollar , designated 'USB' .
Portugal's new Electronic Money Token marks the country's pioneering entry on the stablecoin market. This advancement is made in strict compliance with the MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) Regulation, the innovative European legal framework that harmonizes the regulation of crypto-assets, that aims to ensure their security and the stability of operations throughout the European Union. This move underscores Bison Bank's investment in the area of digital assets and positions this banking institution among the first to operate with regulated financial innovation solutions in Portugal, within the European regulatory context.
What are the new financial products launched by Bison Bank?
Bison Bank launched the Bison Digital Assets (BDA), the first Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) regulated by the Bank of Portugal and wholly owned by a Portuguese bank in 2022. Through this subsidiary, Bison Bank began allowing its clients access to cryptocurrency exchange and custody services directly through their bank accounts.
Since May 2026, the Bison Bank Electronic Money Token is setting a new standard for digital money, the Bison Bank Electronic Money Token, that promotes innovation, guarantees user protection, and ensures financial stability in the market in full compliance with the new European regulatory framework for crypto assets.
Bison Bank won the “Portugal's Best for Digital Assets” award at the Euromoney Global Private Banking Awards 2026, in a ceremony held on March 19, 2026, in London. The distinction recognizes the excellence of the Portuguese bank in offering digital asset solutions to high-net-worth and institutional clients, in a sector undergoing profound regulatory and technological transformation.
What are Electronic Money Tokens?
Holding an e-money token is like having cash in digital format, based on blockchain technology. Because it operates without intermediaries, securely and anywhere in the world, it facilitates fast and secure online cross-border payments and transfers. Each token represents an equivalent amount in traditional currency, such as the euro or the dollar, and is issued by regulated entities.
As an example, the Bison Bank Electronic Money Token guarantees that each token has its corresponding real currency value. For this reason, unlike other crypto assets, these tokens maintain a stable value, providing greater security and suitability as a means of payment.
The Bison Bank Electronic Money Token is not a Portuguese stablecoin even though it was created by a Portuguese bank, as it is a global stablecoin, according to António Henriques, CEO of Bison Bank.
