Marshall Islands Launches World’s First On-Chain Cryptocurrency UBI Program

The Marshall Islands has launched the world's first national universal basic income scheme offering payments via cryptocurrency and traditional methods, aiming to support citizens amid rising costs. The program, funded by a US-backed trust, provides quarterly payments of about $200, with most recipients choosing bank deposits or checks, and a small number opting for digital wallets. While innovative, the scheme faces challenges related to internet connectivity and governance, and its long-term success remains uncertain.