Global digital payments leader Visa has launched a dedicated Stablecoins Advisory Practice in Europe, a new value-added service designed to help banks, fintechs, and merchants navigate the rapidly expanding digital asset market.
Operated by Visa Consulting & Analytics (VCA), the new practice aims to provide actionable insights and strategic guidance on stablecoin implementation, market fit, and technology integration. The launch comes as the global stablecoin market capitalisation surpasses $250billion, with Visa’s own settlement volume for the asset class accelerating to an annualised run rate of $3.5billion as of November 30.
Bridging the gap for European enterprises
The new service taps into VCA’s global network of consultants, data scientists, and product experts to offer a comprehensive suite of solutions. These include:
- Education: Stablecoin training and market trend programmes, including a new curriculum from Visa University.
- Strategy: Development of stablecoin strategies and market entry planning.
- Execution: Use case sizing, go-to-market planning, and technology enablement for integration.
Claudio Di Nella, European head of Visa consulting & analytics, highlighted the strategic importance of the move:
“Across Europe, stablecoins are driving payment innovation and enabling new digital flows. Our new dedicated Advisory Practice is designed to bring practical insights and tailored recommendations for our clients to unlock growth and stay ahead, including the adoption and implementation of robust stablecoin and digital asset solutions.”
Building on a crypto-native foundation
The initiative is already gaining traction with established crypto-native firms. Svyatoslav Garal, global head of payments at Wirex, noted that the partnership provides a crucial independent perspective as the company scales.
“Wirex has been working with stablecoins long before they became a buzzword, and today they sit at the core of our payments proposition. Visa is supporting us as we scale this globally, bringing an independent, data-driven lens that has sharpened our stablecoin strategy and is helping us deliver innovative, secure payment solutions that create real value for consumers.”
The launch of the advisory practice is the latest step in Visa’s broader strategy to modernise global payments through blockchain technology. In 2023, the payments giant became one of the first major networks to pilot stablecoin settlement using USDC. Today, Visa supports more than 130 stablecoin-linked card issuing programmes across over 40 countries.
Additionally, recent pilots via Visa Direct are enabling qualified businesses in specific jurisdictions to pre-fund cross-border payments using stablecoins and send direct payouts to individuals’ crypto wallets, further integrating digital assets into traditional financial rails.