North Dakota Readies “Roughrider Coin” State-Backed Stablecoin with Fiserv

The Bank of North Dakota, the only state-owned bank in the U.S., is partnering with payments giant Fiserv to issue a dollar-backed stablecoin, dubbed Roughrider Coin, targeting a 2026 launch. The stablecoin aims to modernize how banks and credit unions in the state settle payments—with faster, on-chain transfers replacing slow interbank rails. The token will operate via Fiserv’s digital asset platform and is expected to interoperate with its FIUSD infrastructure.

Initially intended for backend use (bank-to-bank, payments between institutions), the coin’s reach could expand to merchants later. It’s fully reserved with U.S. dollars and designed for high compliance, aligning with the federal GENIUS Act’s framework for stablecoins. If successful, North Dakota could become the second U.S. state after Wyoming to issue a state-level stablecoin, further normalizing public-sector crypto issuance.