TLDR
- Visa & Aquanow speed up stablecoin settlements across global markets.
- Partnership reduces costs and boosts payment transparency via USDC.
- Blockchain adoption drives Visa’s digital payment transformation.
- Aquanow’s tech enables 24/7 crypto-based transaction settlement.
- Initiative strengthens cross-border payments in emerging regions.
Visa has expanded its stablecoin settlement network through a strategic partnership with Aquanow to strengthen cross-border transaction efficiency. The collaboration focuses on enhancing settlement speed and reducing costs across Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The initiative also supports Visa’s long-term plan to modernize its digital payment infrastructure using blockchain technology.
The agreement enables Visa to integrate Aquanow’s digital asset infrastructure within its existing global technology stack. Consequently, financial institutions in the CEMEA region can now settle transactions using approved stablecoins like USDC. This move aligns with Visa’s effort to create a faster and more resilient payment environment across emerging markets.
Visa aims to optimize cross-border transactions by addressing traditional inefficiencies in banking settlements. Through this partnership, the company intends to lower operational friction while ensuring seamless digital payments. The initiative also supports Visa’s goal of expanding its stablecoin utility across key global corridors.
Aquanow Enhances Visa’s Stablecoin Infrastructure
Aquanow brings its digital asset expertise and liquidity infrastructure to support Visa’s global payment framework. The company, founded in 2018, specializes in digital asset services for banks, neobanks, and payment platforms. Its infrastructure processes billions of dollars in crypto brokerage and settlement transactions each month.
Visa’s integration with Aquanow enables continuous 365-day settlement for institutions seeking faster transaction clearance. It also allows issuers and acquirers to handle digital settlements in USDC, reducing dependency on traditional clearing systems. The collaboration demonstrates Visa’s commitment to digital transformation within financial settlements.
The partnership provides greater transparency and reduces intermediaries in the settlement chain. Both companies aim to increase access to faster cross-border payments in regions facing currency volatility. Visa leverages this approach to expand its footprint and strengthen its technology-driven global payment ecosystem.
Visa Builds on Growing Stablecoin Momentum
Visa continues to build on its stablecoin pilot programs, including previous USDC-based settlement trials. In 2023, Visa became one of the first major payment networks to settle obligations in USDC. The program has now scaled beyond a $2.5 billion annualized volume rate, signaling growing adoption.
The company’s CEMEA division seeks to further integrate blockchain into existing payment systems. Visa expects that stablecoin settlements will reduce costs and improve transparency for participating institutions. The company continues to upgrade its backend systems to support real-time digital money movement.
Visa’s recent initiatives also highlight its focus on financial inclusion through blockchain technology. It remains committed to expanding payment access for businesses and consumers in underbanked regions. Overall, the Aquanow partnership marks another milestone in Visa’s strategy to accelerate secure, efficient, and borderless digital transactions.


