Visa is making it significantly easier for financial institutions across Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (CEMEA) to settle transactions using stablecoins, following a new partnership with digital asset infrastructure provider Aquanow.
Visa expands stablecoin settlement capabilities
The collaboration is designed to streamline stablecoin-based settlements by improving speed, lowering operational costs, and reducing the frictions associated with traditional payment rails. As demand for faster and more efficient cross-border transactions accelerates, Visa is deepening its commitment to modernizing the backend of global money movement.
Visa was among the first major payment networks to introduce stablecoin settlement in 2023, beginning with USDC. Since then, the company has reported strong momentum, with stablecoin settlement volume reaching a $2.5 billion annualized run rate.
Aquanow partnership boosts institutional access
Phil Sham, CEO of Aquanow, said the company is excited to support Visa’s growing digital asset strategy.
“Visa’s network has always been a trusted powerhouse in moving money securely and efficiently,” Sham said. “By combining our expertise in digital assets with their global reach, we’re unlocking new ways for institutions to take part in the digital economy, all while benefiting from the speed and transparency of the internet.”
The partnership underscores Visa’s broader push to integrate blockchain technology into mainstream payment infrastructure, offering banks and fintechs in the CEMEA region a more streamlined path to adopting stablecoin settlement solutions.
