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Visa partnered with Aquanow to expand stablecoin settlement across CEMEA
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Institutions in the region can now settle payments using approved stablecoins like USDC
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Visa’s stablecoin settlement volume has reached a $2.5B annualized run rate
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Aquanow brings existing regional licensing and infrastructure to the partnership
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Visa plans to support four stablecoins across four blockchains
Visa Extends Its Stablecoin Settlement Network
Visa has partnered with crypto infrastructure provider Aquanow to expand its stablecoin settlement capabilities across Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. This will allow banks, issuers, and acquirers in the region to settle transactions using approved stablecoins such as USDC.
The service supports 365 day settlement, removing the delays caused by weekends and holidays in traditional banking systems.
Partnership Builds on Visa’s Growing Stablecoin Footprint
Visa began experimenting with stablecoin settlement in 2023 and now processes stablecoin settlement at an annualized rate of $2.5 billion. The company plans to expand support to four stablecoins on four blockchains, signaling a broader shift in its global payment strategy.
Aquanow strengthens the initiative with its existing licensing and regional infrastructure, including partnerships and regulatory approvals in the UAE and broader Gulf region.
A Push Toward Faster, More Transparent Transaction Rails
Visa and Aquanow say stablecoin settlement reduces reliance on older systems with many intermediaries, offering faster and more transparent payment flows. Both companies framed the move as part of preparing institutions for a digital payments future built on blockchain settlement rails.
