- Visa has integrated Aquanow’s infrastructure to enable stablecoin settlement for banks across the CEMEA region.
- The move bypasses traditional correspondent banking rails, offering 24/7 settlement in markets plagued by fiat friction.
- Visa’s global stablecoin program is now processing an annualized volume of $2.5 billion.
Visa is moving deeper into blockchain-powered payments announcing a strategic partnership with digital asset infrastructure provider Aquanow to expand stablecoin settlement across CEMEA; that is, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
According to the press release, the collaboration is designed to support faster cross-border settlements, reduce costs, and streamline operations for banks across the region. The move strengthens Visa’s strategy to modernize money movement and address rising demand for 24/7 settlement.
Related: Visa Adds Four Stablecoins on Four Chains as Stablecoin Spend Surges
Stablecoin Integration Aims to Reduce Friction
The collaboration addresses a critical bottleneck in the CEMEA region: the reliance on multi-hop fiat settlement chains that often delay cross-border funds for days (T+2 or T+3). By plugging Aquanow’s digital asset liquidity rails directly into its treasury stack, Visa enables participating banks to execute 24/7/365 settlement.
Monthly volume from this system has already reached a $2.5 billion annualized pace, signaling strong institutional interest.
Godfrey Sullivan, Visa’s Head of Product and Solutions for CEMEA, said the company sees stablecoins as a logical extension of its infrastructure. He noted that “by harnessing the power of stablecoins and pairing them with our trusted global technology, we are enabling financial institutions in CEMEA to experience faster and simpler settlements.”
This capability effectively acts as a “kill switch” for the inefficiencies of legacy banking, allowing institutions to manage treasury operations without worrying about banking holidays or cutoff times.
Aquanow Strengthens Its Global Role
Vancouver-based Aquanow will serve as the backend liquidity provider, bridging the gap between Visa’s traditional ledger and the public blockchain.
Phil Sham, Aquanow’s CEO, said the partnership has broad potential. He stated that “Visa’s reliable global network has long moved money securely and efficiently. Together, Visa and Aquanow are unlocking new ways for institutions to participate in the digital economy.”
He added that the combined approach delivers settlement with the speed and transparency associated with internet-based systems.
Related: Amazon and Walmart Explore Stablecoins to Bypass Visa and Mastercard Fees
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Source: https://coinedition.com/visa-brings-swift-killer-strategy-across-europe-tapping-aquanow-for-stablecoin-liquidity/
