Visa Direct launches into the future of global payments with its innovative stablecoin testing program. The payment giant now enables businesses to use digital currencies like USDC and EURC as cash equivalents for cross-border transfers. This new framework transforms traditional payment processes by reducing settlement times from several days to mere minutes.
Streamlining Global Transactions
The pilot program creates a seamless bridge between traditional finance and blockchain technology. Financial institutions can now pre-fund their Visa Direct accounts with stablecoins instead of traditional fiat currency. This approach treats digital assets as immediately available balances, eliminating the need for advance cash reserves. Moreover, the system allows recipients to receive payments in their local currency while businesses enjoy reduced costs and faster access to funds. The initiative demonstrates Visa’s commitment to establishing a trusted bridge between fiat and blockchain systems.
Strategic Market Expansion
Visa’s stablecoin initiative extends beyond simple transfers, reaching into emerging markets with strategic partnerships. The company collaborates with Yellow Card Financial to implement stablecoin-powered treasury solutions across 20 African countries. Furthermore, Spanish banking giant BBVA plans to issue an Ethereum-based stablecoin through Visa’s Tokenized Asset Platform. These partnerships highlight Visa’s global reach across 150 million merchant locations and 14,500 financial institutions. The expansion aligns with regulatory frameworks, including the U.S. GENIUS Act and Hong Kong’s licensing requirements.
Shaping Tomorrow’s Payment Landscape
The stablecoin market shows remarkable growth, with transaction volumes exceeding $27.6 trillion in Q1 2025. This surge surpasses the combined processing volumes of Visa and Mastercard. Sub-Saharan Africa leads adoption rates, processing 43% of global crypto volume, with Nigeria alone handling $59 billion in annual stablecoin transfers. Industry analysts project a $2 trillion market opportunity by 2028, positioning Visa at the forefront of payment innovation. The company’s strategic investment in blockchain infrastructure and seven-day-a-week settlement capabilities signals a transformative shift in global payment systems.
Disclaimer: News content provided by Genfinity is intended solely for informational purposes. While we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, we do not offer financial or legal advice of any kind. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial or legal decisions. Genfinity disclaims any responsibility for actions taken based on the information presented in our articles. Our commitment is to share knowledge, foster discussion, and contribute to a better understanding of the topics covered in our articles. We advise our readers to exercise caution and diligence when seeking information or making decisions based on the content we provide.
[…] money in minutes instead of days, with recipients still paid out in local currency, according to Visa’s stablecoin-prefunding pilot on Visa Direct. Announced at SIBOS 2025, the initiative targets instant settlement, liberated working capital, and […]