Apple and Google seek stablecoin experts, signal crypto ambitions in payments

Apple and Google are recruiting for senior roles with expertise in stablecoins, tokenized deposits, and blockchain infrastructure, highlighting the growing integration of digital assets into mainstream technology and payments companies.

Apple aims to enhance financial products

Apple has posted a job listing for a New York-based strategist focused on its Apple Pay suite of products. The ideal candidate will bring both strategic vision and technical expertise, with preferred qualifications including an understanding of stablecoins, tokenized deposits, and blockchain technology.

The role is positioned within Apple’s Wallets, Payments, and Commerce division. It involves supporting existing consumer financial offerings such as Apple Card and Apple Cash, which include credit cards, peer-to-peer transfers, and stored value accounts. Responsibilities include assessing new product structures, evaluating commercial models, pursuing growth opportunities, and forging partnerships.

This position requires a strategic mindset, analytical rigor, and the ability to make clear recommendations and drive initiatives in a fast-moving, team-oriented setting, according to Apple’s job description.

Applicants are expected to have experience with peer-to-peer payments, credit card operations, and international payment systems in addition to their blockchain knowledge. However, the listing does not mention any immediate plans to integrate stablecoins or blockchain systems into Apple Pay, Apple Cash, or Apple Card.

Stablecoins such as USDT by Tether and USDC by Circle have grown prominent as blockchain-based tokens that maintain a one-to-one ratio with underlying fiat currencies, such as the US dollar.

Mini dictionary: Stablecoin – A type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value, typically by pegging it to a fiat currency like the US dollar.

Google Cloud expands Web3 focus in Asia-Pacific

Google Cloud, the cloud services arm of Alphabet, has opened recruitment for an Industry Principal Architect for Web3 in Hong Kong. The position requires advising a wide range of clients, including blockchain foundations, digital asset exchanges, custodians, financial institutions engaged in asset tokenization, and developers of decentralized applications.

Google specifies that the ideal candidate will be familiar with stablecoin payment rails, tokenized deposits, blockchain validators, custody solutions, smart contracts, and zero-knowledge systems. This role will also require knowledge of regional virtual asset regulations, particularly rules set by financial authorities in Hong Kong.

Google indicates that by pinpointing common architectural challenges within the digital asset industry, the hire will help design reusable frameworks, influence the Web3 product strategy, and strengthen Google Cloud’s reputation among both institutional and decentralized Web3 developers.

Distinct from Apple, Google has already established a presence in blockchain infrastructure and has outlined plans for a proprietary layer-1 blockchain network, the Universal Ledger, that targets wholesale payments and asset tokenization.

Mini dictionary: Universal Ledger – An upcoming platform by Google Cloud designed as a foundational blockchain network to facilitate large-scale payments and asset tokenization for banks and institutions.

Industry momentum in tokenized settlements

The involvement of Apple and Google in blockchain-related hiring follows a growing movement among global technology and payments firms toward stablecoin adoption. Google was recently named a supporter of the Open USD stablecoin initiative, which also counts Coinbase, Visa, Mastercard, Stripe, BlackRock, and Shopify as partners.

Meanwhile, Visa reported that its stablecoin settlement volume has exceeded a $20 billion annualized rate, signaling increased transaction activity using blockchain-based payment rails. Mastercard has also expanded support for stablecoin settlement, specifically naming USDC and Ripple’s RLUSD among the assets eligible for its network.