Visa and ADI Foundation Explore Blockchain-Powered Digital Payments
Visa has partnered with Abu Dhabi-based ADI Foundation to explore blockchain infrastructure for digital payments and asset transactions. The Oct. 5 agreement will assess how distributed ledger systems could work alongside Visa’s global payment network and existing financial infrastructure.
The collaboration follows a Memorandum of Cooperation and remains exploratory. Visa and ADI will study payment infrastructure, digital finance services and ways to support digital asset transaction flows without requiring financial institutions to replace established payment systems. Neither company disclosed a specific blockchain, stablecoin, commercial product or launch date.
The partnership expands Visa’s broader push into blockchain-based settlement and digital asset payments. Visa said its stablecoin-linked card network had reached 160 programs by September, while annualized stablecoin settlement volume reached $20 billion. Meanwhile, ADI Chain focuses on institutional blockchain applications, including stablecoins and tokenized real-world assets across the Middle East and North Africa.
Why it matters
The partnership could connect blockchain settlement with established payment rails, potentially improving digital asset transaction efficiency for institutions. It also strengthens Abu Dhabi's role in institutional blockchain infrastructure.
