Visa Unveils Universal Stablecoin Network to Expand Global Payment Access

Visa Inc. (V) has launched a pilot program enabling businesses to send stablecoin payouts directly to consumers' crypto wallets, marking a significant expansion into the digital asset space. The initiative, unveiled at the Singapore Fintech Festival 2025, leverages Visa Direct's global network to facilitate real-time payments in USDC, a U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin issued by Circle Internet Group Inc. The move targets gig workers, freelancers, and creators in emerging markets, where currency volatility and limited banking infrastructure often hinder traditional payment methods according to the report.

The pilot allows businesses to fund transactions in fiat currency while recipients choose to receive payments in stablecoins, offering near-instant cross-border settlements. Visa's head of crypto, Cuy Sheffield, emphasized the innovation's potential to democratize access to financial tools, stating, "We're positioning Visa as the universal acceptance network" for stablecoins. The program builds on Visa's earlier stablecoin initiatives, including a September 2025 pilot that enabled businesses to pre-fund payouts using digital assets according to business wire.

For markets like Bolivia, where inflation has driven stablecoin adoption, the feature addresses a critical need. "They want to be paid out in stablecoins because their local currency isn't strong enough," said Mark Nelsen, Visa's head of commercial and money movement solutions according to Bloomberg.

The company's strategy aligns with broader efforts to integrate blockchain technology, having processed over $140 billion in stablecoin flows since 2020 according to blockonomi.

Partnerships with fintechs like Nium and Wirex further underscore Visa's push into this space. Nium, a cross-border payment infrastructure provider, joined Visa's stablecoin settlement pilot to modernize global money movement, reducing friction in weekend cut-offs and reconciliation delays according to Reuters. Meanwhile, Wirex, a Visa principal member, recently launched dual-stablecoin settlement using USDC and EURC on the Stellar blockchain, offering users faster and cheaper alternatives to traditional banking systems according to PR Newswire.

The pilot's initial focus is on U.S. businesses and international platforms, with broader rollout planned for mid-2026, contingent on regulatory developments according to blockonomi. Recipients must use compatible wallets and meet KYC/AML requirements, ensuring compliance while expanding access for underbanked populations according to business wire.

Analysts view the move as a strategic response to growing demand for digital payment solutions. Cathie Wood's Ark Invest recently adjusted its Bitcoin price forecast downward, partly due to stablecoin growth, highlighting the shifting landscape. Meanwhile, competitors like Mastercard and Citigroup are also exploring tokenized payment networks, signaling a broader industry shift.

Visa's foray into stablecoins reflects its ambition to dominate global money movement beyond traditional credit cards. By embedding stablecoin capabilities into its infrastructure, the company aims to bridge traditional finance and crypto ecosystems, reinforcing the dollar's role in a decentralized future. According to the report.