Visa Launches Stablecoin Pilot to Accelerate Global Cross-Border Payments

Visa has launched a pilot program through its Visa Direct platform to enable businesses to use stablecoins for prefunding cross-border payments, aiming to modernize and accelerate international money transfers. This initiative addresses inefficiencies in traditional systems by reducing the need for businesses to hold large pre-funded fiat balances, thereby freeing up capital and improving liquidity management. Stablecoins, backed by assets like the US dollar or euro, provide a consistent settlement layer that reduces currency fluctuation risks and lowers transaction costs. Visa is collaborating with selected financial institutions for this pilot, with plans to expand the program in 2026. The move reflects growing institutional acceptance of stablecoins, particularly following regulatory clarity provided by the U.S. Genius Act, and signals a shift toward integrating digital tokens into mainstream financial infrastructure. Overall, the pilot promises faster, more flexible, and cost-effective cross-border payments, benefiting businesses of all sizes, especially small enterprises navigating international trade.