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Visa and DeFi platform WeFi begin testing on‑chain banking, enabling self‑custodied stablecoins to be spent via Visa’s card network across selected regions.
Visa has teamed up with DeFi infrastructure firm WeFi to test “on‑chain banking,” allowing users to spend regulated stablecoins through Visa’s global card network [1]. The pilot focuses on self‑custodied stablecoin balances and will roll out in selected markets in Europe, Asia and Latin America [3].
Key takeaways
Visa’s partnership with WeFi aims to bridge the gap between blockchain‑based value and the familiar payment experiences consumers trust. According to Visa’s Head of Product & Solutions in Europe, Mathieu Altwegg, the goal is to connect new forms of value to existing payment rails while operating within established regulatory frameworks [1]. WeFi describes its platform as an “orchestration layer” that lets users keep assets in self‑custody while still accessing regulated payment infrastructure, a contrast to many crypto card products that hold funds custodially [3].
The pilot will initially target regulated stablecoins that are fiat‑backed, enabling cardholders to fund purchases directly from their stablecoin balances. WeFi co‑founder Maksym Sakharov emphasizes that mainstream adoption hinges on matching the simplicity of traditional payments, noting that users should not need to think about the underlying rails when they tap a card [1]. The collaboration builds on Visa’s broader stablecoin program, which already processes a $7 billion annualized settlement volume across nine blockchains, including Ethereum, Solana, Avalanche and Stellar [3].
If successful, the Visa‑WeFi model could demonstrate a practical pathway for stablecoins to move beyond crypto‑centric use cases into everyday retail environments such as restaurants and grocery stores, where current adoption remains limited [1]. By linking self‑custodied stablecoins to Visa’s extensive merchant network, the partnership may address the “distribution challenge” that has long hindered crypto’s real‑world utility. However, the rollout will be gradual, with further market expansion contingent on local regulatory approvals [1]. The initiative reflects a broader trend of traditional payment providers integrating digital assets without displacing incumbent networks, signaling a potential shift in how consumers transact with stablecoins in the near future.
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It refers to the increased participation of banks, large corporations, and investment firms in the crypto market, which has helped shift digital assets toward mainstream financial integration.
Bitcoin ETFs allow investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin through traditional stock markets, which has facilitated large-scale investment and increased market trust.
Businesses use stablecoins to conduct faster, lower-cost cross-border payments and to manage treasury operations, especially in regions facing currency volatility.
AI-assisted synthesis by the TrendWatcher Editorial Desk · sourced from 4 outlets · Jun 4, 2026 · How we report
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