Visa has unveiled a pilot program integrating stablecoins into its Visa Direct network, aiming to transform cross-border transactions. Traditionally taking several days, payments could now be settled in just minutes using Circle\u2019s USDC and EURC instead of traditional fiat pre-funding. This approach ensures recipients are paid instantly in their local currency, while companies gain faster access to liquidity and streamlined operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The trial, expected to expand gradually through April 2026, begins with a limited set of partners, with the potential to add more institutions and stablecoins depending on demand. While Visa has not yet disclosed its banking collaborators, it has confirmed the testing of USDC and EURC. A company spokesperson noted that launching a proprietary stablecoin remains a possibility, though the focus is on integrating existing assets into banking and payment infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The initiative comes after the GENIUS Act in the U.S., which established clear regulatory frameworks for stablecoins and accelerated their mainstream adoption. Visa sees the technology as a tool to protect savings in volatile economies and make global transfers faster and cheaper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Visa has also reinforced its stablecoin strategy through collaborations, including work with Bridge (a Stripe affiliate) to enable stablecoin-linked Visa cards, and with Yellow Card in Africa to enhance treasury and liquidity management. Additionally, the company is testing stablecoin-based settlement for issuers and acquirers and has launched the Visa Tokenized Asset Platform to allow banks to issue their own pilot stablecoins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n