Visa and the Future of Institutional Stablecoin Settlement: Strategic Advantages and Scalable Potential in CEMEA

The global payments landscape is undergoing a seismic shift as stablecoins emerge as a cornerstone of cross-border transactions. For institutional players, the promise of faster, cheaper, and more transparent settlements has drawn major financial infrastructure providers into the fray. Visa, a titan in traditional payments, has positioned itself at the forefront of this transformation, particularly in the Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (CEMEA) region. By leveraging blockchain technology and forging strategic partnerships, Visa is not only adapting to the digital age but redefining the rules of institutional stablecoin settlement.

Strategic Partnerships: Building a Robust Ecosystem

Visa's expansion into stablecoin infrastructure in CEMEA has been marked by a series of calculated partnerships. In 2023, the company became one of the first major payment networks to settle transactions in stablecoins, notably USDC, with over $225 million processed through its platform as of June 2025. This pilot laid the groundwork for broader integration. By November 2025, Visa had partnered with Aquanow, a crypto fintech firm, to enable USD Coin (USDC) settlements for banks and payment companies in CEMEA. This collaboration allows 24/7 cross-border transactions, reducing settlement times from days to near-instant processing.

Complementing this, Visa's alliance with Yellow Card, a pan-African fintech, explores stablecoin use cases to enhance cross-border money movement across 190 countries. These partnerships underscore Visa's dual strategy: collaborating with regional fintechs to address local market needs while scaling globally. The result is a hybrid infrastructure that bridges traditional banking systems with decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols.

Technological Edge: Blockchain and 365-Day Settlements

Visa's stablecoin initiatives are underpinned by blockchain technology, which offers inherent advantages over legacy systems. By integrating stablecoins like USDC, USDG, PYUSD, and EURC, Visa has enabled 365-day settlements, including weekends and holidays-a critical differentiator in markets where traditional banking systems often face operational gaps. This capability is particularly valuable in CEMEA, where cross-border trade and remittances are vital economic drivers.

Moreover, Visa's infrastructure supports multiple blockchain networks, including Stellar and Avalanche, ensuring interoperability and resilience. As of 2025, the company's stablecoin business has achieved an annualized run rate of $2.5 billion in monthly volume, a testament to the scalability of its approach. This growth is further amplified by the broader stablecoin market, which has surpassed $300 billion in supply, with USDC and USDT dominating the space.

Regulatory Alignment: Navigating a Shifting Landscape

Regulatory clarity has been a key enabler for Visa's expansion. In Europe, the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, set to take effect in 2026, mandates transparency and asset backing for stablecoins, aligning with Visa's operational model. Similarly, the U.S. GENIUS Act, which establishes reserve asset requirements, reinforces the stability of the tokens Visa integrates. These frameworks not only mitigate risks but also legitimize stablecoins as a viable alternative to traditional fiat in institutional settings.

Visa's proactive engagement with regulators ensures its infrastructure remains compliant while fostering innovation. For instance, its collaboration with Aquanow includes compliance measures to meet evolving standards, positioning the company as a trusted intermediary in the transition to digital assets.

Adoption Metrics and Future Potential

The adoption metrics for Visa's stablecoin initiatives are compelling. By 2025, the company had expanded its settlement solutions to select issuers and acquirers in CEMEA, supporting a diverse range of stablecoins. This diversification reduces dependency on any single token and enhances liquidity management for financial institutions. Furthermore, the ability to process transactions 24/7 has attracted banks and payment firms seeking to optimize treasury operations.

Looking ahead, Visa's position in CEMEA is poised to strengthen as stablecoins gain traction. With major European banks planning to launch euro-backed stablecoins by 2026, Visa's existing infrastructure is well-positioned to facilitate these transitions. The company's focus on reducing costs-by up to 70% in some cases-and improving efficiency aligns with the core demands of institutional clients, creating a flywheel effect of adoption and network growth.

Conclusion: A Blue Ocean in Institutional Payments

Visa's foray into stablecoin settlement is not merely an adaptation to technological change but a strategic repositioning in a $300+ billion market. By combining blockchain's efficiency with its global reach and regulatory expertise, the company is unlocking new value for institutions in CEMEA. For investors, this represents a blue ocean opportunity: a market where traditional players are either lagging or fragmented, and where Visa's brand, infrastructure, and partnerships create a durable competitive moat.

As stablecoins evolve from speculative assets to foundational infrastructure, Visa's role as a bridge between old and new financial systems will likely cement its dominance in the next era of global payments.