Visa Connects Conventional Finance and Blockchain with Real-Time Stablecoin Payments

Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) has introduced an innovative pilot project enabling businesses to send stablecoin payments straight to recipients' crypto wallets, representing a major advancement in merging conventional finance with blockchain. Announced at the Web Summit in Lisbon, this program is designed for global freelancers, gig economy workers, and digital creators—especially in regions where unstable currencies and limited banking access create obstacles, as

highlighted. Using Direct, the firm’s instant payment platform, businesses can initiate transfers in fiat currency, while recipients obtain their funds in USD-pegged stablecoins such as , according to .

This pilot seeks to resolve persistent issues in international payments. For example, content creators on platforms like TikTok and Uber often encounter delays in receiving their earnings due to banking schedules or currency exchange complications.

Visa’s approach allows for almost immediate fund transfers, with all transactions recorded on the blockchain for enhanced transparency and auditability, as mentioned. Chris Newkirk, President of Commercial & Money Movement Solutions at Visa, underscored the significance of the initiative: “Introducing stablecoin payouts is about making money accessible to anyone, anywhere, within minutes instead of days,” he said, as noted.

This effort aligns with the rising interest in stablecoins, which are increasingly viewed as a dependable alternative to more volatile digital currencies. In places like Bolivia, where inflation has fueled USDC adoption, the pilot could offer recipients a stable way to store value, as

observed. Visa’s strategy also demonstrates its broader goal of weaving stablecoins into its payment infrastructure, positioning itself as a connector between legacy finance and decentralized networks, as explained.

Visa referenced a 2025 Creator Economy Report, which found that 57% of digital creators consider instant access to funds a top priority when choosing payment options, as

indicated. By focusing on speed and adaptability, the pilot lets recipients hold, spend, or convert stablecoins as they wish, as described. For companies, this system streamlines cross-border payments, potentially reducing both the costs and delays tied to traditional banking, as pointed out.

Visa’s stablecoin initiatives are part of a broader industry transformation. Earlier this year, the company rolled out a pre-funding pilot that lets businesses use stablecoins for international transactions, as

stated. At the same time, Mastercard Inc. (NYSE: MA) has also entered the field, including a reported $1.5 billion purchase of crypto firm Zerohash, as mentioned. These moves reflect a competitive race to lead the growing stablecoin sector, which some analysts believe could reach $670 billion, as reported.

Regulation remains a central concern. While the pilot broadens access to stablecoin payments, issues around anti-money laundering, tax compliance, and consumer safeguards remain unresolved, as

noted. Visa has yet to announce a full launch schedule but intends to expand the program in the latter half of 2026 as regulatory clarity improves, as stated.

This announcement comes as Visa and Mastercard are close to finalizing a landmark settlement in a two-decade dispute over merchant fees, which could lower interchange costs and give retailers more authority to decline rewards cards, as

reported. These simultaneous developments underscore the companies’ dual commitment to addressing merchant needs while advancing innovation in areas like stablecoins.