Visa has initiated a pilot programme, Visa Direct, which lets businesses and digital platforms send payouts in stablecoins directly to recipients’ digital wallets.
Through this pilot, companies can continue to fund payouts in traditional fiat currencies, while recipients can now opt for US dollar-backed stablecoin payments.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Access deeper industry intelligence
Experience unmatched clarity with a single platform that combines unique data, AI, and human expertise.
The company noted that the pilot particularly addresses the needs of individuals and organisations in regions affected by currency volatility or lacking banking infrastructure.
Recipients such as freelancers and creators can get rapid access to their earnings in stablecoins.
The company stated that every transaction will be recorded on the blockchain, offering permanent records for audit and compliance purposes.
Currently, the pilot is running with a select group of partners, with plans to expand more broadly during the later part of 2026 as regulatory matters progress and demand from clients increases.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataThe company announced a pre-funding pilot in September that enabled businesses to use stablecoins instead of traditional currency for funding Visa Direct payouts.
The latest initiative now extends this option to end recipients, allowing them to receive funds directly in digital dollars.
Visa Commercial & Money Movement Solutions president Chris Newkirk said: “Launching stablecoin payouts is about enabling truly universal access to money in minutes – not days – for anyone, anywhere in the world.
“Whether it’s a creator building a digital brand, a business reaching new global markets or a freelancer working across borders, everyone benefits from faster, more flexible money movement.”
Separately, Visa also announced the rollout of its Scan to Pay feature for QR code payments across the Asia Pacific.
This development forms part of the wider introduction of Visa Pay, a service designed to link participating digital wallets with merchants that accept Visa worldwide, both online and in physical stores.
Visa Pay allows users to make payments by tapping, scanning, or using their chosen wallets and payment applications for online transactions.
