TLDRVisa launches a pilot for direct stablecoin payouts, starting with USDC, for freelance workers and creators.The pilot offers faster, cross-border payments, especially in regions with limited banking access.Recipients need a compatible wallet and must meet KYC/AML requirements to receive payouts.Visa’s stablecoin initiatives aim to improve global financial access and cross-border money movement.The program will expand in mid-2026, depending on demand and regulatory progress.Visa has introduced a new pilot program that enables businesses to send payouts directly in stablecoins. The pilot, which starts with USDC, is designed to support creators, freelancers, and gig workers. It allows businesses in the U.S. to fund payouts in fiat currency, while recipients can choose to receive payments in USDC. This move aims to offer faster, cross-border payments, which is especially beneficial for regions with volatile currencies or limited banking access.Faster Cross-Border Payments for Freelancers and CreatorsThe pilot offers a breakthrough for recipients by providing them with quicker access to their earnings. Instead of waiting days for traditional bank transfers, they can now receive funds in near real-time. By leveraging stablecoins like USDC, Visa aims to ensure that individuals across the globe can access their payments faster and with fewer barriers. This is particularly relevant for those working in regions where banking infrastructure may be limited.Visa’s move is a continuation of its efforts to integrate stablecoins into its broader financial ecosystem. Earlier in 2023, Visa launched a pilot enabling businesses to pre-fund payouts using stablecoins. This new phase allows businesses to send funds directly to recipients’ stablecoin wallets, offering more flexibility for the end-users.Requirements for Stablecoin PayoutsTo receive stablecoin payouts, recipients must have a compatible stablecoin wallet and meet Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements. This ensures that recipients are compliant with Visa’s protocols and standards. At launch, USDC is the only stablecoin supported in the program, and Visa plans to expand as demand grows.Visa’s commitment to stablecoins aligns with its broader strategy to facilitate cross-border money movement. The company has facilitated over $140 billion in crypto and stablecoin flows since 2020. Visa also partners with various companies globally to offer stablecoin-linked payment solutions.As the stablecoin market evolves, Visa aims to play a key role in emerging markets, especially for remittances and gig-economy payments. The pilot program is expected to expand further, with a broader rollout planned for mid-2026. However, this will depend on client demand and regulatory developments in different regions.The post Visa Expands Stablecoin Strategy with USDC Payout Pilot for Cross-Border Payments appeared first on Blockonomi.