Visa Adds Western Union’s USDPT Stablecoin to Its Settlement Network Through Anchorage Partnership

SAN FRANCISCO, United States, November 13, 2026

Visa is expanding its stablecoin settlement capabilities through a partnership with Anchorage Digital that introduces Western Union’s USDPT token as a settlement asset on the VisaNet network. The development reflects growing efforts by established payment companies to integrate blockchain-based financial infrastructure into institutional payment systems.

The arrangement was reported on November 12. Anchorage Digital said eligible Visa partners can use USDPT, issued by Anchorage Digital Bank, to settle VisaNet obligations. The partnership also creates a framework for considering additional stablecoins issued by Anchorage in the future.

Stablecoin Settlement Moves Further Into Traditional Payments

Stablecoins are digital assets designed to maintain a stable value, generally by being linked to a conventional currency such as the US dollar. They can support transfers and settlement using blockchain networks, offering an alternative infrastructure for moving value between financial institutions and payment providers.

The addition of USDPT gives Visa and eligible partners another settlement option within its existing payment network. Rather than replacing conventional payment infrastructure, the arrangement introduces a digital asset that can be used for specific settlement obligations.

This distinction is important because institutional payment networks must maintain operational reliability, compliance controls and clear financial accountability. The use of stablecoins in settlement therefore requires more than simply making tokens available on a blockchain.

Anchorage Provides the Banking Infrastructure

USDPT is issued by Anchorage Digital Bank and was introduced in May on the Solana blockchain. Anchorage provides the regulated banking structure behind issuance, while Fireblocks supplies wallet and settlement infrastructure.

The partnership builds on Anchorage’s broader strategy to expand its role in institutional digital asset services. The company has been developing its activities across stablecoin issuance, custody and settlement, positioning itself as an infrastructure provider for businesses operating in digital finance.

For Visa, working with a federally chartered banking institution offers an established regulatory framework for supporting selected stablecoin settlement activities. The companies have indicated that additional Anchorage-issued stablecoins may be considered under the new framework.

Western Union’s International Network Adds Potential Reach

Western Union initially launched USDPT in the Philippines and Bolivia, with plans to support around-the-clock settlement across its international network, which spans more than 200 countries and territories.

The company’s global presence makes the stablecoin relevant to cross-border financial services, where payment providers must manage different banking systems, operating hours and settlement requirements.

However, the inclusion of USDPT in VisaNet does not mean that every Visa transaction will automatically be processed using stablecoins. The arrangement applies to eligible partners and specific settlement obligations.

Competition in Digital Settlement Infrastructure

Visa has been expanding its work with blockchain networks and stablecoin-related payment infrastructure. The company said in September that its annualised stablecoin settlement run rate had reached $20 billion, more than 15 times the level reported a year earlier, according to The Block.

The latest partnership illustrates how payment networks are exploring digital assets alongside conventional settlement systems. Its longer-term significance will depend on adoption by financial institutions, regulatory developments, transaction economics and the ability of stablecoin infrastructure to operate reliably at scale.