Visa is doubling down on stablecoins, announcing an expansion of its settlement capabilities across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa to support USD cross-border payments through blockchain technology. The move comes as stablecoin adoption surges globally—hitting $27 trillion in total transaction volume across 1.25 billion transactions in 2024 alone, according to Visa.
The new initiative will allow institutions to settle transactions more efficiently and affordably while enabling 365-day operations, including weekends and holidays. By extending its stablecoin capabilities, Visa aims to reduce settlement costs, boost liquidity management, and bring financial operations into the always-on digital age.
Visa first entered the stablecoin space in 2023, becoming one of the first major networks to allow clients to settle obligations in USDC. Since then, it has processed over $225 million in stablecoin settlement volume and made strategic moves including a stake in infrastructure provider BVNK and a partnership with Stripe-owned Bridge. These efforts have culminated in a single API issuing product that allows fintechs to launch stablecoin-linked Visa cards in multiple countries.
Godfrey Sullivan, Visa’s SVP and head of product and solution for CEMEA, emphasized the inevitability of a stablecoin roadmap: “In 2025, we believe that every institution that moves money will need a stablecoin strategy. As more players explore this powerful new technology, Visa stands ready to guide the transition with scale, trust, and innovation.”
Visa has also partnered with Yellow Card, a pan-African fintech licensed across multiple markets, to explore stablecoin use cases, streamline treasury operations, and investigate integrations with Visa Direct to enhance cross-border remittance options. Chris Maurice, Yellow Card’s co-founder and CEO, underscored the significance of the collaboration: “Together with Visa, we’re building a bridge between traditional finance and the future of money movement.”
As the financial landscape continues to evolve, Visa’s continued investment in stablecoin infrastructure signals a belief that blockchain-based payments are not just an emerging trend but a foundational shift in global commerce.