
Impact Vector: Crypto Infrastructure
Visa says stablecoin card payments surged 15-fold in a year - 헤럴드경제 — 2026-09-13
## Short Segments ## Feature Story Visa's stablecoin card payments have surged 15-fold in just one year, marking a significant shift in the integration of digital currencies with traditional payment systems. This development highlights the growing role of stablecoins as a bridge between digital assets and conventional financial infrastructure. Visa's stablecoin-linked card programs have now surpassed 160 globally, with payment volumes climbing nearly 200% year-over-year, reaching a $20 billion annualized run rate. The mechanism behind this growth involves users leveraging stablecoins stored in digital wallets to make card payments. When a user makes a purchase, the card program operator fulfills the settlement obligations through the Visa network before recouping the funds from the user. This process allows for the seamless integration of stablecoins into existing card and settlement networks, facilitating the use of tokenized assets in real-world transactions. Industry experts argue that for the tokenized asset market to achieve meaningful scale, stablecoins must serve as the payment layer, connecting on-chain assets to existing financial infrastructure. This connection is crucial for enhancing the efficiency of real-world asset (RWA) transactions and operations, as well as linking overseas-issued tokenized assets. Visa's expansion in this area underscores the potential for stablecoins to transform how digital and traditional financial systems interact. However, the rapid growth of stablecoin-linked card payments also presents challenges. In the early stages of these card programs, daily settlements are required, which can be difficult to manage with traditional bank loans or securitization products due to the small scale of required funds and associated costs. This highlights the need for innovative financial solutions to support the burgeoning stablecoin payment infrastructure. Visa's announcement comes at a time when the demand for stablecoins as a payment method is increasing, driven by their ability to provide a stable value in volatile markets. As more consumers and businesses adopt stablecoins for everyday transactions, the integration with established payment networks like Visa's becomes increasingly important. This integration not only enhances the usability of digital currencies but also paves the way for broader acceptance and adoption of tokenized assets. Looking ahead, the continued growth of stablecoin card payments could lead to further innovations in the financial sector. As stablecoins become more embedded in traditional payment systems, we may see new financial products and services emerge that leverage the unique properties of digital currencies. This could include more efficient cross-border payments, improved liquidity management, and enhanced financial inclusion for underserved populations. In conclusion, Visa's 15-fold increase in stablecoin card payments over the past year is a clear indicator of the shifting landscape in the financial industry. As stablecoins continue to gain traction as a viable payment method, their integration with existing financial infrastructure will be key to unlocking the full potential of tokenized assets. Stakeholders across the financial ecosystem will need to adapt to these changes, embracing the opportunities and addressing the challenges that come with this new era of digital finance.

