Visa and AquaNow Upgrade Payment Infrastructure through Stablecoin Integration
- Visa partners with AquaNow to expand stablecoin settlement in CEMEA via USDC , aiming to cut costs and settlement times. - The initiative builds on a $2.5B annualized pilot program, leveraging stablecoins to modernize payment infrastructure. - Visa's multicoin strategy aligns with industry trends, as regulators and competitors like Mastercard also explore stablecoin integration. - Regulatory progress in Canada and risks like volatility highlight evolving opportunities and challenges in digital asset adop
Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) has broadened its stablecoin settlement services across Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (CEMEA) by joining forces with AquaNow, a digital asset platform focused on liquidity and infrastructure. This partnership brings together AquaNow’s technology and Visa’s global payments network, allowing financial institutions to complete settlements using approved stablecoins such as
This collaboration builds on Visa’s 2023 pilot, which enabled clients to settle in USDC. Since its launch, the program has reached an annualized transaction volume of $2.5 billion. Godfrey Sullivan, Visa’s Head of Product and Solutions for CEMEA, noted that this marks progress in updating the “back-end rails of payments,” reducing dependence on legacy systems and equipping institutions for the future of money transfers
Visa’s overall approach involves supporting a range of stablecoins and blockchains within its settlement platform. Rubail Birwadker, Visa’s Global Head of Growth Products and Strategic Partnerships, highlighted the company’s aim to build a “multicoin and multichain foundation” to meet the needs of partners worldwide. This strategy was echoed during Visa’s Q3 2025 earnings call, where CEO Ryan McInerney spoke about the rising demand for stablecoins in cross-border payments and the significance of
This partnership also mirrors a broader industry movement, with major firms like Mastercard exploring stablecoin adoption. AquaNow’s experience in Canadian crypto infrastructure, especially its work connecting trading platforms to global markets, makes it a pivotal player in this transition.
Regulatory progress further highlights the sector’s momentum. For example, Canada’s QCAD Digital Trust has recently secured approval for a compliant Canadian dollar stablecoin, reflecting a more mature regulatory environment for digital assets
With stablecoins expected to transform global payments, Visa’s latest expansion underscores its dedication to innovation. The company’s infrastructure now accommodates more than 25 fiat currencies worldwide, strengthening its leadership in digital money movement. As Sullivan remarked, the partnership with AquaNow is a “key step” in redefining how institutions engage with the changing financial landscape
Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.
You may also like
Bitcoin News Today: "Strategy Moves $5.1B in Bitcoin to Fidelity: Safeguarding Assets in the Face of Regulatory and Liquidity Challenges"
- Strategy transferred $5.1B in Bitcoin (58,390 BTC) to Fidelity from Coinbase , diversifying custody away from single providers. - Fidelity now holds 427,000 BTC as a top institutional custodian, using pooled omnibus systems for security over transparency. - The move follows Strategy's €620M fundraising to meet $120M obligations, amid MSCI's proposed crypto-holding exclusion risks. - Fidelity's opaque custody model enables flexible transactions but raises concerns over hidden sales, contrasting Coinbase's
Bolivia Turns to Stablecoins to Address Inflation and Currency Instability
- Bolivia legalizes stablecoin integration into banking , allowing crypto-based accounts and loans to combat inflation and currency devaluation. - Crypto transaction volumes surged 530% in 2025, driven by $15B in stablecoin use as businesses adopt USDT for cross-border payments. - Policy mirrors regional trends, with stablecoins recognized as legal tender to stabilize the boliviano amid 22% annual inflation and dollar shortages. - Challenges include AML safeguards, tax frameworks, and public trust, as regu
Bitcoin Updates: Bitcoin's Decline Sparks Altcoin Battle: ADA's $0.43 Support Faces Pressure
- ADA holds $0.43 support as Bitcoin’s seven-month low of $80,000 pressures altcoin market volatility. - Altcoin fragility stems from Fed’s high-rate signals, reduced institutional inflows, and technical breakdowns in key resistance levels. - Bitcoin’s $90,000 support breach triggered cascading liquidations, while ADA’s $0.43 level shows increased on-chain accumulation. - Infrastructure innovations like GeekStake’s staking protocol aim to stabilize networks during volatility without price forecasts. - Mark
Bolivia’s Digital Currency Bet: Navigating Volatility with Stable Solutions
- Bolivia's government permits banks to custody cryptocurrencies and offer crypto-based services, reversing a 2020 ban to combat inflation and dollar shortages. - Stablecoin transactions surged 530% in 2025, with $14.8B processed as Bolivians use USDT to hedge against boliviano depreciation (22% annual inflation). - State-owned YPFB and automakers like Toyota now accept crypto payments, while Banco Bisa launches stablecoin custody to expand financial inclusion for unbanked populations. - The policy faces c
Trending news
MoreCrypto prices
More
