[Circle Foundation Explores Stablecoin Payments for Humanitarian Aid, Provides Funding to UNDP and WFP] Circle Foundation has announced two grants to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Food Programme (WFP) to explore the application of digital payments and digital financial infrastructure in humanitarian aid and development projects. Circle Foundation stated that the initiatives will study how to use digital payments and regulated payment stablecoins to disburse funds to aid recipients more quickly, transparently, and at lower costs. For the UNDP, the funding will be used to establish and operate a 'Digital Assets Innovation Pool,' helping country offices expand previous digital payment pilots conducted in Syria, Haiti, Guatemala, and The Gambia from single projects to regular program implementation, while providing support in areas such as regulation, operations, and beneficiary protection. This mechanism will not replace traditional banking channels but will serve as a complementary option alongside existing payment systems.