The key development includes the launch of Visa Intelligent Commerce, which aims to provide developers and AI platforms access to Visa’s payments infrastructure. This program encompasses APIs and a commercial partner framework, designed to enable AI-powered tools for secure transaction facilitation at scale.
Visa is currently in discussions with companies such as Ant International, Grab, and Tencent to expand these capabilities across the region. The role of AI agents in digital transactions is expected to grow, handling everything from routine purchases to complex travel bookings on behalf of consumers. Trust and security in payments will be critical as these AI systems take on more autonomy.
Additionally, Visa has highlighted its evolving digital identity and authentication efforts through features like Passkeys, Tap to Confirm, and enhanced transaction data. These measures are being implemented with regional partners such as Coles in Australia and Maybank in Malaysia.
To support small-scale and informal economic activities, Visa is introducing Visa Accept in Vietnam. This feature enables street vendors and freelancers to accept contactless payments through their smartphones, provided they have eligible Visa debit cards and participate via supported banking apps.
In the cryptocurrency space, Visa is expanding stablecoin use for payments and settlements. The firm has settled over USD 225 million in stablecoin volume so far and is working with partners like DCS Singapore, DTC Pay, and StraitsX to offer stablecoin-backed cards. These cards allow users to purchase stablecoins using fiat currency and transact at Visa-accepting merchants. Visa is also collaborating with StraitsX for seven-day-a-week settlement services.
The company is further developing its Tokenized Asset Platform (VTAP) to facilitate fiat-backed token issuance and integrate with both public and private blockchains. Plans are in place to expand this platform’s availability by 2025, aiming to enhance programmable finance and tokenized asset trading capabilities.