Anchorage Digital announced Thursday a partnership with Visa enabling select Anchorage-issued stablecoins to settle transactions directly on VisaNet, beginning with Western Union's USDPT token. The collaboration allows Visa and eligible companies to use USDPT, a dollar-pegged stablecoin issued and custodied by Anchorage Digital Bank, for settlement obligations on the Visa network. Anchorage operates as America's first federally chartered crypto bank under Office of the Comptroller of the Currency oversight, positioning the deal as combining stablecoin transaction speed with regulatory safeguards from a federally regulated institution.
Anchorage Digital and Visa Establish Framework for Multi-Token Settlement
USDPT became the first Anchorage-issued token to gain settlement status on VisaNet under the arrangement announced Thursday. The companies stated the deal establishes a framework to add more Anchorage stablecoins to the Visa network later. Dan Roesbery, a Visa vice president for crypto partnerships, described the USDPT support as giving partners "another trusted, institution-grade option" for settling with Visa.
Anchorage Digital Positions Federal Charter as Institutional Differentiator
Nathan McCauley, Anchorage's co-founder and CEO, argued that "speed alone won't bring institutions onchain," stating institutions want "a regulated institution behind the money." McCauley pitched the partnership as delivering both a stablecoin's speed and a federally regulated bank's safeguards. Anchorage Digital Bank operates under a federal charter from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, distinguishing it as what the company bills as America's first federally chartered crypto bank.
Visa Expands Stablecoin Settlement Infrastructure Across Multiple Networks
Visa has built out a stablecoin settlement program spanning networks including Base and Polygon, launched a platform to help banks and fintech firms issue and move stablecoins, and moved into onchain lending tied to its cards. The Anchorage partnership represents the latest integration of stablecoins into Visa's settlement infrastructure.
Anchorage Digital Advances Institutional Stablecoin Settlement Network
Anchorage Digital issues multiple institution-grade stablecoins including Tether's U.S.-regulated USAT, Western Union's USDPT, Ethena's USDtb and others, each redeemable one-to-one for dollars. The bank's counterparty settlement network, Atlas, handles off-exchange settlement, collateral management and cross-border transfers. Anchorage recently positioned itself as the custody backbone of the U.S.-Mexico stablecoin corridor, custodying tokens on both sides of one of the world's largest remittance routes. The Visa network integration extends Anchorage's institutional footprint into mainstream payments reaching merchants and banks worldwide.
FAQ
What did Anchorage Digital announce with Visa on Thursday?
Anchorage Digital announced Thursday a partnership with Visa enabling select Anchorage-issued stablecoins to settle transactions directly on VisaNet, starting with Western Union's USDPT token. The deal establishes a framework to add more Anchorage stablecoins later.
Why does Anchorage Digital emphasize its federal charter in this partnership?
Nathan McCauley, Anchorage's CEO, stated that institutions want "a regulated institution behind the money," arguing the partnership delivers both stablecoin speed and federally regulated bank safeguards. Anchorage operates as America's first federally chartered crypto bank under Office of the Comptroller of the Currency oversight.
What other stablecoins does Anchorage Digital issue besides USDPT?
Anchorage Digital issues multiple institution-grade stablecoins including Tether's U.S.-regulated USAT, Western Union's USDPT, Ethena's USDtb and others, each redeemable one-to-one for dollars.
