Financial infrastructure startup Augustus has raised $180 million in a Series B funding round, pushing the company’s valuation to $1 billion and officially making it a unicorn.
The funding round was led by Tiger Global, with participation from Hummingbird, QED, and founders and executives connected to companies such as Nubank, Ramp, Circle, and Deel.
Augustus plans to use the new capital to expand a financial platform that combines traditional banking networks with stablecoin-based payments and 24/7 settlement systems.
Building a modern alternative to correspondent banking
The company’s main goal is to modernize cross-border payments by reducing reliance on the traditional correspondent banking system, where money often passes through multiple intermediaries before reaching its destination.
Augustus offers infrastructure that supports bank accounts, virtual accounts, and transfers through established payment networks such as Swift, ACH, and SEPA, while also integrating stablecoin payment rails.
Its proprietary banking platform, called Marble, is designed to automate many back-office functions and provide around-the-clock availability, helping financial institutions move money more quickly and efficiently.
CEO Ferdinand Dabitz believes the current cross-border banking system is outdated and often limited by banking hours, delays, and multiple intermediaries. Augustus aims to provide a simpler system where banks and fintech companies can access both traditional payment networks and blockchain-based settlement from a single platform.
Expanding globally
The company said it will focus on growing its presence in Latin America, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, where demand for faster international payments continues to increase.
Augustus already operates regulated entities in Europe and processes billions of dollars in transactions for financial institutions, including crypto exchange Kraken.
In May, Augustus also received conditional approval from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to establish Augustus National Bank, a move that could eventually allow it to offer direct U.S. dollar clearing services once all regulatory requirements are met.
Stablecoins become part of mainstream finance
Rather than launching its own stablecoin, Augustus wants to provide the banking infrastructure that allows institutions to use existing stablecoins alongside traditional payment systems.
The company believes stablecoin settlement will become a standard feature of future banking networks, similar to how banks currently offer services like Fedwire and international wire transfers.
Its strategy reflects a broader trend across the financial industry, where banks, fintech firms, and crypto companies are increasingly exploring stablecoins for faster cross-border payments, treasury management, and global settlements.
Preparing for an AI-driven economy
Augustus also sees a future where artificial intelligence systems interact directly with financial services.
According to Dabitz, programmable money and blockchain-based payments may become essential as AI agents begin conducting transactions automatically without human involvement.
The company argues that traditional banking systems, which depend on fixed business hours and manual processes, may struggle to support a future where software and AI operate continuously.
With $180 million in fresh funding, Augustus now plans to accelerate its international expansion, complete the regulatory steps needed for its U.S. banking ambitions, and continue building a platform that connects traditional banking, stablecoins, and always-on global payments within a single financial infrastructure.
