TL;DR
- Payment giant Visa has expanded its stablecoin capabilities across Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (CEMEA).
- Visa formed a strategic partnership with African crypto exchange Yellow Card to explore cross-border payments and improve treasury operations.
- Over $225 million in stablecoin volume has been settled via Visa using Circle’s USDC stablecoin since 2023.
- Visa’s CEMEA head, Godfrey Sullivan, emphasizes stablecoin strategy as essential for all money-moving institutions in 2025.
Visa’s Growing Commitment to Stablecoins
Visa, a global leader in payment technologies, has been steadily embracing blockchain and cryptocurrency innovations. Its recent expansion of stablecoin support throughout the CEMEA region signals a strategic push to integrate blockchain-based digital currencies into traditional financial systems.
The company has also entered a significant partnership with Yellow Card, a leading African cryptocurrency exchange. This collaboration aims to develop cross-border payment solutions that leverage stablecoins for faster, more transparent, and more efficient money movement.
What Are Stablecoins and Why They Matter to Visa
Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies pegged to stable assets, often fiat currencies like the US dollar, to minimize volatility. They serve as fast, low-cost, and borderless payment rails in the digital economy. This makes them particularly appealing for remittances, cross-border trade, and treasury liquidity management.
Visa first made headlines in 2023 by becoming one of the first major payment networks to settle transactions using Circle’s USDC stablecoin. Since then, over $225 million in stablecoin volume has passed through Visa’s network, validating stablecoins’ growing role in mainstream payments.
According to Godfrey Sullivan, Senior Vice President and Head of Product and Solution for CEMEA at Visa, “In 2025, we believe that every institution that moves money will need a stablecoin strategy.” This underscores the company’s view that digital assets will be central to the future of payments.
Visa and Stablecoin Adoption in CEMEA
| Metric | Value | Source |
| Stablecoin volume settled by Visa | Over $225 million | Visa Press Release |
| Regions for expanded stablecoin reach | Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa (CEMEA) | Visa Expansion News |
| Partner Crypto Exchange | Yellow Card | Yellow Card Official |
| Stablecoin Type | USDC (Circle) | Circle USDC |
Visa and Yellow Card Partnership: Bridging TradFi and Crypto
The strategic partnership with Yellow Card aims to blend traditional finance infrastructure with blockchain-powered payment innovations. Yellow Card is one of Africa’s fastest-growing crypto exchanges, offering fiat-to-crypto services in several countries.
Together, the two companies plan to:
- Explore cross-border payment options that utilize stablecoins to bypass traditional correspondent banking inefficiencies.
- Streamline treasury operations for businesses by using blockchain for instant settlements and enhanced liquidity management.
- Innovate secure, transparent, and scalable payment solutions that cater to both retail and institutional clients.
Chris Maurice, Co-Founder and CEO of Yellow Card, said, “Together with Visa, we’re building a bridge between traditional finance and the future of money movement. We look forward to continuing to innovate new solutions that can transform how money moves for even more secure, efficient, and transparent payment solutions.”
Visa’s Broader Crypto Strategy
Visa has been steadily investing in crypto-related startups and technologies, including a recent investment in stablecoin payment firm BVNK. The company’s efforts reflect a belief that blockchain and crypto will redefine how payments operate globally.
Visa’s early adoption of USDC stablecoin settlements and its growing network of crypto partners demonstrate a strategy to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving payments landscape.
Challenges and Opportunities in CEMEA Region
The CEMEA region encompasses a diverse group of markets with varying levels of financial infrastructure maturity. Stablecoins and blockchain technology offer a unique opportunity to:
- Increase financial inclusion in underbanked regions.
- Reduce costs and friction associated with cross-border payments.
- Provide businesses with real-time treasury management capabilities.
However, regulatory uncertainty and compliance requirements remain challenges that companies like Visa and Yellow Card will need to navigate carefully.
What’s Next for Stablecoins and Payments?
As Visa continues to expand stablecoin capabilities, the payments industry is likely to see increased adoption of digital assets for everyday transactions. The collaboration with Yellow Card could serve as a blueprint for similar partnerships worldwide, enhancing how businesses and consumers move money securely and efficiently.
Institutions moving money will need comprehensive stablecoin strategies to compete and innovate in 2025 and beyond.
Conclusion
Visa’s expansion of stablecoin reach across CEMEA and partnership with Yellow Card highlights the growing importance of stablecoins in global finance. With over $225 million in stablecoin volume settled through its network, Visa is positioning itself at the forefront of blockchain-powered payment innovation. As digital currencies increasingly integrate with traditional finance, the future of money movement looks faster, more transparent, and inclusive.
