Visa bets on AI-enabled payments and stablecoins to stay ahead in APAC
Visa is charting a bold course for the future of money in Asia-Pacific by leaning into artificial intelligence-enabled payments and stablecoins. As traditional card networks adapt to a rapidly shifting digital economy, Visa’s leadership underscores a broader shift: payments are increasingly a digital network proposition that enables value to move quickly, securely, and with fewer frictions. Stephen Karpin, Visa’s Asia-Pacific president, argues that this evolution is not just about replacing a plastic card—it’s about rethinking how money flows in a connected world.
A network-centric view of payments
Historically viewed as a plastic card in your wallet, payments are transforming into a software-driven network. Karpin notes that the “card” concept now encompasses a spectrum of digital payment methods, from card-linked wallets to instant transfers and programmable money. This mindset aligns with Visa’s strategy to build a global payments network that can be accessed through multiple channels while maintaining security, speed, and reliability. In the APAC region, where digital wallets and mobile payments have surged, the network approach could unlock new rails for merchants and consumers alike.
AI-enabled payments: speed, security, and personalization
AI is set to simplify and secure payment experiences. Visa is exploring AI models to detect fraud in real time, streamline onboarding, and personalize customer journeys without sacrificing privacy. For merchants, AI can optimize settlement timing, reconcile cross-border payments, and tailor offers based on purchasing patterns. In a market as diverse as APAC, AI helps standardize compliance checks, risk assessment, and user experiences across dozens of languages, currencies, and regulatory environments.
Stablecoins and the role of digital currencies
Stablecoins offer a bridge between traditional fiat and the modern digital economy. By pegging value to stable assets, they can reduce volatility and enable near-instant cross-border settlements. Visa’s interest in stablecoins signals a broader ambition: to provide a seamless, global payments experience that works in places where local rails are uneven or slow. Karpin emphasizes that embracing stablecoins would come with rigorous governance, secure custody, and robust compliance to protect consumers while unlocking efficiencies for businesses of all sizes.
APAC as a proving ground
APAC’s mix of advanced fintech hubs and emerging markets makes it a natural testing ground for new payment architectures. Countries across the region are rapidly digitizing financial services, which creates opportunities for better remittances, micro-payments, and e-commerce. Visa’s local partnerships with banks, fintechs, and merchants in the region will be critical to delivering scalable AI-driven payment experiences and stablecoin-enabled products that comply with local regulations.
What this means for consumers and merchants
For consumers, the transition means more choices: faster cross-border payments, secure digital wallets, and smarter payment experiences powered by AI. For merchants, it translates into reduced settlement times, better risk management, and access to new markets through programmable money and stablecoin rails. Together, these capabilities could lower friction in everyday transactions—from paying for groceries to paying gig workers and suppliers across borders.
Regulation, governance, and responsible innovation
With stability and trust as core pillars, Visa’s approach to AI and stablecoins will hinge on governance and compliance. The APAC region features a patchwork of rules, and cross-border money movement demands strict anti-fraud, AML, and data-privacy safeguards. Visa’s emphasis on responsible innovation aims to balance rapid technological progress with consumer protection and transparent governance so that new payment methods deliver real value without creating systemic risks.
Looking ahead
Visa’s strategy in APAC reflects a broader industry trend: the future of payments lies at the intersection of digital networks, intelligent automation, and programmable money. If AI-enabled payments and stablecoins scale responsibly, the region could set a precedent for how banks, fintechs, and merchants collaborate to create faster, safer, and more inclusive financial services.
