Stablecoin payments firm KAST has appointed Stephanie Allen as head of corporate and policy communications, according to reports from crypto.news. Allen previously served as a senior advisor at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, where she advised agency leadership on internal and external communications. Her role includes working on the company's public profile with policymakers, media, and industry groups as stablecoin firms face closer regulatory attention.
As reported by crypto.news, KAST was founded in July 2024 by former Circle executive Raagulan Pathy. The company offers USD-denominated accounts and stablecoin payment tools that support global payments across 170 countries. According to the company, it has hired more than 200 people over the past year, spanning engineering, product, and compliance roles. The firm serves both consumers and businesses using stablecoin-based financial products.
According to crypto.news, KAST raised $80 million in a Series A funding round that closed in March 2026. The company is using this funding to support its expansion plans across North America and Latin America. The appointment comes as stablecoin payment activity continues to grow significantly, with Artemis Analytics reporting that global stablecoin transaction volume rose 72% in 2025 to more than $33 trillion.
As reported by crypto.news, Brad Jaffe, KAST's chief corporate affairs officer, stated that Allen's knowledge of the policy and regulatory landscape from her leadership position at the SEC will help drive KAST's momentum. The appointment reflects the growing importance of regulatory expertise as stablecoin firms navigate closer scrutiny from regulators. The growth in stablecoin transaction volume has pushed these firms closer to the center of global payments infrastructure.
