worldcoinindex.com
Visa has unveiled a pilot program that introduces stablecoins into its Visa Direct network, a move designed to modernize and accelerate global money transfers. Instead of pre-funding fiat, businesses will be able to load stablecoins such as USDC and EURC, which Visa will treat as ready-to-use balances for cross-border payouts.
The initiative targets one of the biggest pain points in international finance: settlement speed. By replacing days-long settlement windows with near-instant processing, the pilot could free up liquidity for banks, remittance providers, and enterprises worldwide. Funds will still reach recipients in their local currency, maintaining familiarity while upgrading the backend infrastructure.
Visa confirmed limited rollout of the pilot by April 2026, working with select partners under early access. While the company has not disclosed whether it plans to launch its own stablecoin, it emphasized ongoing development of tools that bring stablecoin utility to cards, settlement rails, and bank systems.
This step builds on Visa’s growing stablecoin strategy. Recent partnerships with firms like Bridge and Yellow Card have explored use cases ranging from stablecoin-linked debit cards to treasury solutions in Africa. Visa has also experimented with stablecoin settlement for issuers and created the Visa Tokenized Asset Platform to help banks design and test stablecoin services.
The move comes at a time when stablecoins are increasingly seen as a trillion-dollar market in waiting, bolstered by the passage of the U.S. GENIUS Act, which provides a regulatory framework for the sector. For Visa, the focus is on turning stablecoins into a practical tool for businesses.
Cross-border payments have long been stuck in outdated systems. Visa’s stablecoin pilot may finally unlock the instant, programmable transfers that global commerce has been waiting for.