Visa Expands Its Role in the Digital Asset Ecosystem with New Stablecoins and Blockchain Support in 2025
- Why Is Visa Expanding Its Digital Asset Ecosystem?
- How Does Visa’s Partnership with Paxos Work?
- What’s New in Visa’s Blockchain Support?
- Where Is Visa Focusing Its Expansion?
- How Are Stablecoins Becoming Everyday Tools?
- What’s the Bigger Picture for Visa?
- Visa’s Crypto Milestones at a Glance
- FAQs: Visa’s Digital Asset Strategy
Visa is doubling down on its leadership in the digital asset space by adding two new dollar-backed stablecoins—Global Dollar (USDG) and PayPal USD (PYUSD)—to its global settlement program. The company is also integrating support for Stellar and Avalanche blockchains, alongside existing networks like Ethereum and Bitcoin. With partnerships like Paxos and expansion plans for Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (CEMEA), Visa aims to streamline cross-border transactions and enhance liquidity management. Here’s a deep dive into how Visa is shaping the future of digital payments.
Why Is Visa Expanding Its Digital Asset Ecosystem?
Visa, a global payments giant, isn’t just dipping its toes into digital assets—it’s diving headfirst. The company recently announced the inclusion of USDG and PYUSD stablecoins into its settlement program, alongside adding Stellar and Avalanche to its supported blockchains. This move isn’t just about keeping up with trends; it’s about addressing real inefficiencies in traditional banking systems, especially in emerging markets. As Ryan McInerney, Visa’s CEO, put it, "Stablecoins can bridge gaps in local banking infrastructures, making international transactions faster and cheaper."
How Does Visa’s Partnership with Paxos Work?
Visa’s collaboration with Paxos is a game-changer. The partnership focuses on enabling stablecoin settlements through Visa Direct, a platform designed to speed up cross-border payments. According to Paxos’ tweet on July 31, 2025, this alliance will "shape the future of financial rails." Visa has already processed over $225 million in stablecoin transactions, proving the model’s viability. The goal? To create a scalable ecosystem where multiple blockchains interoperate seamlessly, offering flexible settlement options.
What’s New in Visa’s Blockchain Support?
Beyond ethereum and Bitcoin, Visa now supports Stellar and Avalanche—two blockchains known for their speed and low-cost transactions. This multi-chain approach allows Visa to cater to diverse partner needs globally. For instance, Stellar’s focus on remittances aligns perfectly with Visa’s plans for regions like CEMEA, where cross-border payments are often slow and expensive. Avalanche, with its high throughput, could revolutionize merchant settlements. It’s all part of Visa’s vision for a "multi-currency, multi-chain foundation."
Where Is Visa Focusing Its Expansion?
Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (CEMEA) are key targets. Visa’s partnership with Yellow Card in Sub-Saharan Africa aims to establish stablecoin-based treasury solutions. Godfrey Sullivan, Visa’s SVP for CEMEA, believes every money-moving institution will need a stablecoin strategy. The benefits? Lower settlement costs, 365-day liquidity, and improved cross-border dollar flows. Latin America isn’t left out either—countries like Argentina, Mexico, and Chile will see Visa-backed stablecoin card programs soon.
How Are Stablecoins Becoming Everyday Tools?
Visa’s partnership with Bridge is a prime example. The collaboration allows users to link Visa cards to stablecoin wallets, enabling daily spending at any Visa-accepting merchant. Jack Forestell, Visa’s Chief Product Officer, calls this a step toward "making stablecoins usable in real life." Imagine buying coffee with PYUSD or paying rent with USDG—this is the future Visa is building.
What’s the Bigger Picture for Visa?
Visa isn’t just adding features; it’s redefining financial infrastructure. From pilot programs to $225 million in settled transactions, the company is proving that digital assets belong in mainstream finance. With tokenized asset platforms and programmable money solutions, Visa is positioning itself as a bridge between traditional banking and the crypto economy.
Visa’s Crypto Milestones at a Glance
Here’s a quick recap of Visa’s 2025 digital asset push:
- Added USDG and PYUSD stablecoins to settlement program
- Integrated Stellar and Avalanche blockchains
- Processed $225M+ in stablecoin transactions
- Expanded into CEMEA and Latin America
- Launched stablecoin-linked Visa cards via Bridge
FAQs: Visa’s Digital Asset Strategy
Which stablecoins does Visa now support?
Visa’s settlement program includes USDG, PYUSD, and two other undisclosed stablecoins.
Can I use stablecoins with my Visa card?
Yes, through partners like Bridge, which offers Visa cards linked to stablecoin wallets.
Why did Visa choose Stellar and Avalanche?
Stellar excels in remittances, while Avalanche offers high throughput—both align with Visa’s efficiency goals.
Is Visa’s stablecoin settlement available worldwide?
Currently rolling out in CEMEA and Latin America, with global expansion expected.
