Visa launches stablecoin cross-border payment pilot, providing new ways for businesses to remit

ChainCatcher news, global payment giant Visa has launched a pilot project to test the use of stablecoins for cross-border payments, providing businesses with a faster remittance option.

The pilot allows businesses, including banks and remittance service providers, to fund Visa Direct with stablecoins instead of fiat currency in advance. Visa views these stablecoins as "bank deposits" or balances available for payments, enabling businesses to remit overseas without having to lock in large amounts of cash days in advance. The pilot aims to reduce the settlement time for businesses from several days to just a few minutes, allowing for quicker access to liquidity. Visa stated that recipients can still choose to receive payments in local currency. The company added that it will test this model with select partners and plans to launch it on a limited basis by April 2026. The spokesperson did not disclose the names of the partners but confirmed that the first stablecoins being tested are Circle's USDC and EURC. As demand grows, more assets may be added in the future.