Visa Pipes Stablecoins into Global Payment Infrastructure

Visa has initiated a stablecoin-based pilot program to streamline cross-border payments, marking a strategic shift toward blockchain-integrated financial infrastructure. The initiative, announced at SIBOS 2025, allows businesses to pre-fund cross-border transactions using stablecoins such as Circle's USDC and EURC, bypassing traditional fiat currency requirements. By leveraging stablecoins as a "money in the bank" equivalent, Visa aims to reduce settlement times from days to minutes while freeing up capital that would otherwise be locked in advance for international transfers Visa Direct Taps Stablecoins to Unlock Faster Funding for Businesses^[1]. Chris Newkirk, Visa's president of commercial and money movement solutions, emphasized that the move addresses long-standing inefficiencies in cross-border payment systems, enabling businesses to "move money instantly across the world" Visa Pilot Lets Banks Use Stablecoins for Global Payouts^[2].

The pilot operates through Visa Direct, the company's real-time payments platform, and is designed for financial institutions, banks, and remittance providers. Participants pre-fund accounts with stablecoins, which Visa treats as cash equivalents for initiating payouts. This approach reduces exposure to currency volatility and enhances liquidity management, particularly during off-hours when traditional systems are inactive Visa Pilots Stablecoin Payments To Simplify Global Transfers^[3]. Visa has already processed over $225 million in stablecoin volume, though this remains a small fraction of its $16 trillion annual payment volume Visa bets on stablecoins to speed up cross-border payments^[4]. The company plans to expand the pilot in 2026, with limited availability expected by April 2026 Visa Pilots Stablecoin Payments for Businesses Sending Money^[5].

Regulatory clarity, particularly the U.S. GENIUS Act, has accelerated Visa's foray into stablecoins. The legislation, which establishes reserve requirements and anti-money laundering (AML) obligations for stablecoin issuers, has bolstered institutional confidence in the asset class The GENIUS Act of 2025 Stablecoin Legislation^[6]. Visa's strategy aligns with broader market trends: the stablecoin market, valued at over $307 billion as of late 2025, is projected to grow to $2 trillion within three years Visa Expands Stablecoin Settlement Support^[7]. By integrating stablecoins into its infrastructure, Visa positions itself as a bridge between traditional finance and blockchain networks, competing with platforms like SWIFT and emerging stablecoin startups Visa Expands Stablecoin Network with PYUSD, USDG, EURC^[8].

Partnerships and technical expansion underscore Visa's ambitions. The company has added support for four stablecoins (USDC, EURC, USDG, and PYUSD) and four blockchains (Ethereum, Solana, Stellar, and Avalanche) to its settlement platform Visa Expands Stablecoin Settlement Support^[9]. This multi-chain approach enhances scalability and resilience, reducing dependency on any single blockchain. Visa also collaborates with fintech firms like Yellow Card to explore use cases in African markets, where stablecoins often serve as a stable alternative to volatile local currencies Visa Expands Stablecoin Settlement^[10].

The pilot reflects a broader industry shift toward stablecoin adoption. While concerns persist about their potential to disrupt traditional payment systems, Visa's approach prioritizes integration over competition. By embedding stablecoin rails into its existing infrastructure, the company reinforces its role as a trusted intermediary. "The amount of software and technology deployed for payments is hard to recreate," said Mark Nelsen, Visa's product head for commercial solutions. "Incorporating stablecoin technology into existing flows makes more sense than building alternatives" Visa bets on stablecoins to speed up cross-border payments^[11].

Visa's stablecoin strategy is part of a larger ecosystem-building effort. The company has launched the Visa Tokenized Asset Platform, enabling institutions to issue and manage tokens on blockchains, and partnered with Stripe-owned Bridge to facilitate stablecoin-linked Visa cards Visa Pilots Stablecoin Payments for Businesses Sending Money^[12]. These initiatives highlight Visa's dual focus on innovation and compliance, ensuring alignment with evolving regulatory frameworks while expanding access to global liquidity. As stablecoins mature from "crypto gimmicks" to "financial plumbing," Visa's ability to scale these solutions will determine its success in reshaping cross-border payments Visa Expands Stablecoin Settlement^[13].