Macropod completes first live retail payment using AUDM
Australian fintech startup Macropod has completed a live retail payment using AUDM, Australia’s first stablecoin issued under an Australian Financial Services Licence, marking a major milestone for digital payments infrastructure in Australia.
The demonstration took place at Blue Brew Café in Redfern, with a customer purchasing a coffee using AUDM through OpenPasskey‘s wallet-native payment system. OpenPasskey‘s technology combines instant stablecoin payments with the merchant’s digital loyalty rewards, helping merchants accept next-generation payments through a familiar and streamlined customer experience.
The payment was designed to feel effortless. The customer scans a QR code presented at the point of sale and pays using AUDM that is received near real time in the merchant’s wallet. Unlike traditional card payments, merchants are able to access funds immediately by redeeming the AUDM, eliminating settlement delays and providing instant access to cash flow.
Drew Bradford, CEO of Macropod, said, “Stablecoins are often spoken about in abstract terms, but this payment shows how the technology fits into everyday life. On the surface, the transaction we completed was just someone buying a coffee, but behind that simple moment, regulated Australian dollar stablecoins were settling instantly on-chain. The customer experienced a simple QR code payment and the merchant received funds immediately. It’s a small transaction that signals a much bigger shift in the future of Australia’s payments infrastructure.”
OpenPasskey’s system combines speedy stablecoin payments and digital loyalty rewards into a simplified merchant experience designed for hospitality venues and small businesses.
The demonstration reflects growing global interest in stablecoin-powered payments as businesses seek faster settlement, lower transaction costs and modern alternatives to legacy payment infrastructure.
Macropod continues to expand the utility of AUDM as regulated stablecoins play an increasingly important role in Australia’s digital economy, supporting payments, treasury operations, settlement infrastructure and tokenised financial markets.
AUDM-powered payments are currently available at select merchants, with broader rollout planned.
