Visa Partnered with ADI to Explore Blockchain Payments
The companies signed a cooperation agreement to examine digital infrastructure for faster global payment flows.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Financial Services
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Visa has entered a partnership with the Abu Dhabi-based ADI Foundation to explore the integration of blockchain infrastructure into digital payment systems. The collaboration focuses on enhancing payment network compatibility and improving the efficiency of cross-border value exchange.
Why it matters
Financial institutions are increasingly seeking ways to leverage distributed ledger technology to meet institutional requirements for interoperability and compliance. This partnership aligns with a broader industry effort to modernize legacy payment systems for the digital economy.
Visa reported an annualized stablecoin settlement rate of $20 billion as of September 2026, marking a 200% increase in payment volume from previous figures. The network now supports nine different blockchains and maintains 160 stablecoin-linked card programs.
The players
Visa
Visa is a global digital payments company that facilitates value transfers through its extensive financial network.
ADI Foundation
The ADI Foundation is a financial entity registered in the Abu Dhabi Global Market founded by Sirius International Holding.
Sirius International Holding
Sirius International Holding is the parent company that established the ADI Foundation to support digital economy initiatives.
The details
The ADI Foundation, an entity founded by Sirius International Holding, aims to connect 1 billion people to the digital economy by 2030 through this initiative. Both companies will specifically evaluate how to align electronic payment infrastructure with emerging blockchain protocols.
Timeline
July 2026: Visa introduced its enterprise stablecoin system.
August 2026: Visa formed partnerships with Shinhan Financial Group and Dunamu.
September 2026: Visa recorded a $20 billion annualized stablecoin settlement rate.
October 5, 2026: The partnership between Visa and the ADI Foundation was officially announced.
Market Landscape
This collaboration reflects a broader industry shift as legacy payment networks race to incorporate decentralized finance infrastructure. By aligning with blockchain-focused entities, Visa is positioning itself to capture the rising volume of institutional stablecoin settlements.
Customers may eventually benefit from faster international payment processing times as these blockchain-backed systems scale globally. For the average user, this development primarily points toward a future where cross-border transactions are executed with increased efficiency and lower friction.
The takeaway
The move underscores the growing convergence between traditional payment rails and blockchain technology as institutions prioritize faster settlement times. Readers should watch for increased adoption of stablecoins in global finance as these experimental pilots move toward enterprise-scale implementation.
Further reading
Learn more about the evolving landscape of Financial Services.
Live Poll
Would you feel comfortable using stablecoins or blockchain-based systems for your own daily financial transactions?
