Visa stablecoin payouts advance with new BVNK partnership on Visa Direct

Visa is deepening its push into digital assets by embedding visa stablecoin payouts into its real-time payments network through a new partnership with BVNK.

Visa Direct adds stablecoin rails for global payouts

The new integration brings stablecoin capabilities to Visa Direct, allowing businesses to pre-fund and send payouts directly to digital wallets in selected markets. Moreover, these pre-funded transfers will settle in near real time, extending access to payments beyond traditional banking hours.

Visa Direct already powers real-time transactions for payroll, cross-border remittances, and gig-economy wages across its $1.7 trillion network. With stablecoins now joining those payment flows, the company aims to expand its blockchain-based infrastructure and support more flexible digital disbursements globally.

Mark Nelsen, Visa‘s global head of product, said that “stablecoins are an exciting opportunity for global payments.” He noted that the technology can reduce payment friction and improve access to efficient digital payment options. That said, Visa is positioning the upgrade as an evolution of its existing real-time rails rather than a wholesale replacement.

Through the partnership, the full visa stablecoin payouts workflow will be managed on-chain while remaining connected to Visa’s established network of partners. However, all transactions will still need to comply with local rules in each of the supported jurisdictions.

BVNK powers real-time stablecoin infrastructure

BVNK, a UK-headquartered fintech, will provide the infrastructure that enables the transfer and settlement of stablecoins in real time. The company already processes more than $30 billion in stablecoin payments annually, giving Visa access to tested tooling for high-volume flows. Moreover, this partnership is designed to help integrate digital assets directly into mainstream payment rails.

By connecting Visa Direct to BVNK’s systems, businesses can fund stablecoin payouts in advance and send them instantly to supported digital wallets. This is intended to support use cases such as vendor disbursements, marketplace settlements, and potentially stablecoin payroll payouts in selected regions.

The collaboration underscores how blockchain payment rails are being layered onto traditional financial infrastructure rather than built in isolation. That said, Visa continues to stress that speed and reliability remain the primary objectives, with blockchain acting as a tool to enhance those outcomes.

Rollout strategy and institutional backing

Visa’s rollout will begin in regions where demand for digital asset transactions is strongest. The company has not yet named specific markets, but it indicated that expansion will depend on business needs, regulatory clarity, and customer interest. However, all payments must adhere to compliance and oversight standards in each jurisdiction where they are offered.

The initiative aligns with Visa’s broader strategy to scale digital asset partnerships and infrastructure. It also reflects growing demand for programmable payment tools that can support use cases such as automated settlement and on-chain reconciliation across different regions.

BVNK, described as a bvnk stablecoin platform uk specialist, has been building out its capabilities with backing from major financial institutions. Visa’s venture arm made its first investment in BVNK in May 2025, highlighting its early conviction in the firm’s approach to digital asset infrastructure.

Five months after Visa’s initial backing, Citigroup followed with a strategic investment in BVNK, adding another large financial player to the cap table. This citigroup investment bvnk underlines the increasing institutional interest in regulated, blockchain-based payment services.

The companies have so far kept details of the initial deployment markets private. However, they confirmed that every stablecoin payout will be required to comply with relevant regulatory regimes, including know-your-customer and anti-money laundering standards. This framework is designed to support real time stablecoin settlements while maintaining traditional safeguards.

Outlook for regulated digital asset payments

As global demand for digital asset-enabled payments continues to rise, Visa and BVNK are positioning their integration as a bridge between traditional finance and on-chain infrastructure. Moreover, the visa direct stablecoin integration could make it easier for businesses to experiment with regulated, programmable payout models without rebuilding their entire treasury stack.

While the launch will focus on high-demand regions, the companies expect to expand the service as regulators clarify frameworks and customer adoption grows. In summary, the new stablecoin payouts visa direct offering represents another step in blending blockchain infrastructure with established global payment networks.