Visa запускает пилотный проект с стейблкоинами для ускорения международных платежей Translated: Visa launches pilot project with stablecoins to accelerate international payments

Payment company Visa is set to launch a pilot program for prepayments in stablecoins using the Visa Direct service. This initiative aims to enhance international payments for businesses and modernize treasury operations.

According to Visa officials, the current cross-border payment systems are slow and require the freezing of substantial amounts in fiat currency. The new mechanism will allow companies to avoid reserving large balances in advance, freeing up capital. As a result, financial institutions will be able to transfer funds in minutes instead of days.

«Cross-border payments have relied too long on outdated systems. The new integration of stablecoins into Visa Direct lays the foundation for instant money movement worldwide,» stated Chris Newkirk, Visa’s President for Commercial and Money Transfers.

Companies will be able to deposit prepayments into Visa Direct accounts in stablecoins rather than fiat currency. The system will recognize these assets as available for payouts.

This new option is aimed at banks, money transfer systems, and other financial entities that require swift liquidity management solutions.

Meanwhile, end recipients will continue to receive funds in their local currency.

Currently, Visa is testing the solution with selected partners, with a limited rollout for a broader audience scheduled for April 2026.

It’s worth noting that in May, Visa invested in the UK startup BVNK, which is developing infrastructure for stablecoin transactions.

In July, the payment giant expanded its settlement platform by adding support for new stablecoins and blockchains.