Visa Launches USDC Settlement for US banks, Starts on Solana
Visa has launched USDC settlement services for U.S.-based financial institutions, with Cross River Bank and Lead Bank the first to participate using the Solana blockchain. Full rollout to more institutions is planned for 2026. Visa will also use the Arc blockchain—recently launched by Circle—for its USDC settlements and operate a network node, aiming to provide faster, programmable settlement options that fit into existing banking operations. This initiative is part of Visa’s broader strategy to modernize settlement infrastructure and keep pace with increasing stablecoin adoption among banks and customers. Visa’s new global Stablecoins Advisory Practice will help banks, merchants, and fintechs implement stablecoin products. Visa has already expanded stablecoin settlement in regions including Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa through partnerships like one with Aquanow. In November, Visa also piloted user wallet payouts in the U.S. using fiat-funded business accounts, with full broader access expected by 2026, reflecting strong demand for stablecoin solutions across its network.
