visa

Global payments leader Visa Inc. has deepened its engagement with digital assets by partnering with BVNK, the UK-headquartered stablecoin infrastructure provider, to bring stablecoin funding and payout capabilities into its Visa Direct real-time payment network. This initiative marks a significant step in integrating programmable digital money into mainstream commercial payouts and treasury operations.
Under the expanded collaboration, which builds on Visa Ventures’ strategic investment in BVNK in May 2025, select Visa Direct clients will be able to pre-fund business payouts using stablecoins rather than relying solely on traditional fiat currencies and send payouts directly into recipients’ stablecoin wallets. The underlying goal is to accelerate processing times, enhance liquidity flexibility, and support digital-first payment experiences for corporate use-cases, marketplaces, and gig-economy platforms.
Visa Direct is a global real-time money movement network handling about US $1.7 trillion in transactions annually. Integrating BVNK infrastructure into this network allows transactions funded in stablecoins to settle near instantaneously potentially outside traditional banking hours and be received directly in compatible digital wallets. This shift could materially reduce settlement delays and provide businesses with more choice in how they manage and disburse funds.
Key Benefits and Business Use Cases
Faster cross-border payouts: Stablecoin rails can significantly reduce latency in international disbursements compared to correspondent banking, enhancing global payroll and supplier payments.Flexible funding options: Businesses can choose stablecoin or fiat funding for payouts, while recipients receive digital asset balances directly in wallets.Improved liquidity and settlement: Real-time settlement with blockchain-based assets helps firms optimise cash flow and treasury operations.
This partnership underscores the broader trend of stablecoins transitioning from speculative tokens into foundational payment infrastructure. Industry observers note that major financial institutions and payment networks are increasingly exploring stablecoins for faster settlements, reduced costs, and expanded service offerings for corporate and consumer clients alike.
The rollout will initially focus on markets with strong demand for digital asset payments, with wider global availability expected throughout 2026 as technical deployments mature and regulatory frameworks evolve.
Overall, Visa and BVNK collaboration signals a notable push toward embedding blockchain-native value rails within established financial networks helping bridge traditional payments and emerging digital money ecosystems.

#Stablecoins #VisaDirect #Visa

BBVA has announced its plans to enter the stablecoin market through a strategic partnership with Visa. The Spanish banking giant, which has been actively exploring blockchain technology since 2014, aims to launch its digital currency solution by 2025.
A Strategic Partnership Takes Shape
The collaboration leverages Visa's newly established fiat-backed token program, positioning BBVA at the forefront of digital currency innovation in the traditional banking sector. Francisco Maroto, who heads BBVA's digital assets and blockchain initiatives, points to Visa's regulatory compliance expertise and established market presence as key factors in this partnership.
Understanding the Vision
BBVA's venture into stablecoins represents more than just a technological upgrade – it's a strategic response to the evolving financial landscape. Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies, stablecoins offer the benefits of blockchain technology while maintaining value stability through backing by traditional assets.
The bank is currently evaluating various backing options for its stablecoin, including:
Bank depositsMoney market fundsTraditional fiat currencies (Euro/USD)
Beyond Basic Transactions
BBVA's stablecoin aspirations extend far beyond simple payments. The bank envisions its digital currency serving as a settlement layer for:
Trading platformsTokenized real estate transactionsPrivate credit fund operationsCross-border payments
This multifaceted approach could revolutionize how financial institutions handle asset transfers and settlements.
Building on Past Success
BBVA isn't starting from scratch in the digital asset space. The bank has already established a presence in crypto services through its Swiss operations, offering trading services for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDC to private banking clients. The institution is also exploring opportunities in the Turkish market, though U.S. expansion remains on hold due to regulatory considerations.
The Broader Impact
This initiative represents more than just another financial product – it's part of a larger transformation in global finance. By combining blockchain technology with traditional banking infrastructure, BBVA is working to create a bridge between conventional and digital financial systems.
Key benefits of this approach include:
Enhanced settlement efficiencyImproved cross-border transactionsGreater interoperability between financial platformsStreamlined asset tokenization processes
As 2025 approaches, BBVA's stablecoin project stands as a testament to the banking sector's evolution. While many traditional institutions have approached digital assets with caution, BBVA's proactive stance could set new standards for how banks engage with blockchain technology.
The success of this initiative could influence:
Other banks' digital currency strategiesThe broader adoption of blockchain in traditional financeThe development of regulatory frameworks for bank-issued digital assetsThe future of cross-border payment systems
As we watch this project unfold, one thing is clear: BBVA's stablecoin initiative represents a significant step toward bridging the gap between traditional banking and the digital future of finance.

#BBVA #visa #stablecoin #Stablecoins #GarantiBBVA