Visa Urges Clear Stablecoin Regulations to Boost Mainstream Adoption

Visa has emphasized the need for clear and comprehensive stablecoin regulations, as slow adoption rates and regulatory uncertainty continue to hinder the integration of stablecoins into mainstream financial systems. According to Ryan McInerney, Visa’s CEO, while stablecoins represent a significant long-term opportunity, their growth is constrained by the lack of well-defined regulatory guidelines in key markets, particularly the United States [1]. The company has processed over 200 million stablecoin transactions globally, yet these transactions account for only a small portion of its overall volume [1].

Stablecoins, which are typically backed by fiat assets, offer the potential for faster, lower-cost international payments and programmable liquidity. Visa is testing cross-border payment solutions using stablecoins through its Visa Direct platform, aiming to reduce delays and inefficiencies in traditional systems [1]. Additionally, the company is developing its Tokenized Asset Platform to allow financial institutions to issue stablecoins securely, positioning itself at the forefront of digital asset innovation [1].

Despite the potential, stablecoin adoption remains limited. Globally, only around 10–20% of stablecoin transactions are currently used for actual payments, with the majority linked to trading and liquidity management on crypto exchanges [1]. This is partly due to the current regulatory environment, which has not yet provided the clarity needed for widespread use. The U.S. Senate’s proposed GENIUS Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at establishing the first comprehensive federal framework for stablecoin regulation, is seen as a critical step toward legitimizing stablecoins as a viable tool for digital payments [2]. The bill addresses key issues such as systemic stability, consumer protection, and cross-border compliance, which are essential for building institutional confidence.

Visa is also expanding its stablecoin initiatives into emerging markets. In July 2025, the company announced the extension of its stablecoin settlement service to Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (CEMEA), partnering with fintech Yellow Card to develop blockchain-based solutions for treasury activities in developing economies [2]. These efforts align with Visa’s broader digital payments strategy, which seeks to integrate blockchain-based solutions into its infrastructure and expand access to financial services in underserved regions.

The company remains cautious as regulatory landscapes evolve globally. While the GENIUS Act provides a foundational framework, it does not resolve all regulatory uncertainties. McInerney has expressed interest in monitoring regulatory trends across different jurisdictions to adjust Visa’s stablecoin strategies accordingly [1]. He also noted that clearer regulations could significantly boost the use of stablecoins in payments, potentially increasing their share from 10–20% to over 50% within a year [1].

The push for regulatory clarity is not unique to Visa. Across the financial industry, stakeholders are calling for structured guidelines to address risks such as money laundering, fraud, and asset instability. Without a unified regulatory approach, technical and operational challenges persist, limiting the broader adoption of stablecoins in traditional finance. Visa’s advocacy reflects a growing consensus that regulatory certainty is essential to unlock the full potential of stablecoins in digital payments and beyond [2].

Industry observers have likened the current stage of stablecoins to the early days of internet-based commerce in the 1990s, suggesting that growth will accelerate once a stable and supportive regulatory environment is in place. With the digital currency market reaching approximately $272 billion in value, and stablecoins playing a growing role in treasury management and cross-border commerce, the case for structured regulation has never been stronger [1].

As the U.S. and other jurisdictions move forward with legislative proposals, the coming months will be critical in determining the future of stablecoins. For Visa, the goal remains clear: to ensure that stablecoins become a central component of the digital payments ecosystem, leveraging blockchain’s speed and security while integrating with existing financial infrastructure [1].

Source:

[1] "Slow Stablecoin Adoption Prompts Visa to Call for Clear Regulations," Live Bitcoin News, https://www.livebitcoinnews.com/slow-stablecoin-adoption-prompts-visa-to-call-for-clear-regulations/

[2] "GENIUS Act and a New Digital Asset Era | Snell & Wilmer," JDSupra, https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/genius-act-and-a-new-digital-asset-era-7346389/