This move lets banks and payment processors in the region settle transactions using trusted stablecoins like USDC, slashing costs, delays, and paperwork that plague traditional cross-border payments.
Stablecoins are digital dollars pegged 1:1 to real currency, offering the stability of cash with blockchain speed.
Bridging TradFi and Crypto Rails
Aquanow’s infrastructure plugs directly into Visa’s payment network, giving issuers and acquirers a new way to clear deals around the clock, even on weekends. Picture a merchant in Dubai paying a supplier in Kenya: instead of waiting days for bank wires with hefty fees, they settle instantly in USDC via Visa’s system.
Visa piloted this in 2023, and volumes have since hit a $2.5 billion annualized run rate, proving demand for frictionless backend money movement. Godfrey Sullivan, Visa’s head of product for the region, called it a step to modernize payments by ditching slow intermediaries.
Aquanow x Visa – Stablecoins Enter The Financial Mainstream.@Visa has selected @Aquanow to expand stablecoin settlement across CEMEA, enabling issuers and acquirers to settle with approved stablecoins like USDC.
Faster cycles. Lower friction. 365-day settlement.
Pilot →… pic.twitter.com/twyDRi4cSg
— Aquanow (@aquanow) November 26, 2025
This rollout taps into a booming trend where stablecoins handle real-world payouts and settlements. The market topped $300 billion this year, with USDC grabbing 25% share amid clearer U.S. and EU rules. Financial firms crave 24/7 liquidity, especially in emerging markets where cross-border flows exceed trillions annually but face outdated rails.
Aquanow CEO Phil Sham highlighted how pairing Visa’s reach with stablecoin speed brings internet-like transparency to institutions. Recent pilots, like Visa’s fiat-to-stablecoin disbursements for gig workers, show the tech scaling fast.
More About Stablecoins
Euro stablecoins stand out as the only non-USD segment showing growth, with EURC reaching €287 million in market cap amid a stagnant broader stablecoin market. While USD-pegged giants like USDT and USDC dominate over 99% of the $280+ billion total supply, euro variants remain niche at around €395 million overall, boosted by EU MiCA regulations favoring compliant local tokens.
Euro stablecoins are the lone non-USD bright spot, with $EURC climbing to €287M. https://t.co/Mgx4SLlyVG pic.twitter.com/LNlwgiMbaE
— Artemis (@artemis) November 28, 2025
This uptick reflects rising DeFi demand and institutional interest in euro-backed options for cross-border efficiency
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