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28 Apr 2026, 14:25

Visa Partners with WeFi to Build On-Chain Banking Services: A Groundbreaking Move for Financial Inclusion

BitcoinWorld Visa Partners with WeFi to Build On-Chain Banking Services: A Groundbreaking Move for Financial Inclusion Visa, the global payments giant, has announced a strategic partnership with WeFi, a blockchain company founded by Tether co-founder Reeve Collins. This collaboration aims to build an on-chain banking infrastructure that bridges decentralized finance (DeFi) with traditional payment networks. The initiative targets the ‘last half mile’ of on-chain banking, providing users with personal International Bank Account Numbers (IBANs) that function like traditional bank accounts. The service will launch initially in Europe, Asia, and South America, with plans to expand to financially underserved populations worldwide. Visa Partners with WeFi: The Core of the Partnership Visa’s decision to partner with WeFi signals a major shift in how traditional financial institutions view blockchain technology. WeFi, founded in 2020 by Reeve Collins, is a platform that connects DeFi protocols with institutional payment networks. The company has developed a system that allows users to hold and transact in both fiat and cryptocurrencies seamlessly. Visa brings its global payment network, regulatory expertise, and merchant relationships to the table. Together, they aim to create a hybrid banking model that combines the speed and transparency of blockchain with the trust and familiarity of traditional banking. What is On-Chain Banking? On-chain banking refers to financial services that operate directly on a blockchain network. Unlike traditional banks, which rely on centralized databases and intermediaries, on-chain systems use smart contracts and distributed ledgers. This approach offers several advantages: Transparency: All transactions are recorded on a public ledger. Speed: Settlements occur in minutes, not days. Lower costs: Reduced need for intermediaries cuts fees. Global access: Anyone with an internet connection can participate. However, on-chain banking has faced challenges, including regulatory uncertainty, scalability issues, and lack of integration with traditional payment rails. Visa and WeFi aim to solve these problems by combining Visa’s network with WeFi’s blockchain infrastructure. WeFi Blockchain Partnership: How It Works The partnership will provide users with personal IBANs that can receive and send payments in multiple currencies, including cryptocurrencies. These IBANs will be linked to Visa’s payment network, allowing users to spend their crypto holdings at any merchant that accepts Visa. WeFi’s platform will handle the conversion between fiat and crypto, using smart contracts to ensure security and compliance. The service will be regulated under existing financial laws in each jurisdiction, addressing one of the biggest barriers to crypto adoption. Key Features of the Service The new on-chain banking service will offer several features that differentiate it from traditional banking: Multi-currency support: Users can hold and transact in USD, EUR, GBP, and major cryptocurrencies. Instant settlements: Transactions settle on-chain in under 10 minutes. Low fees: Transaction costs are significantly lower than traditional wire transfers. Regulatory compliance: The service adheres to KYC/AML regulations in all operating regions. Visa Crypto Banking: Expanding Financial Inclusion Visa’s foray into crypto banking is not new. The company has been experimenting with blockchain technology since 2015. However, this partnership with WeFi represents a more concrete step toward mainstream adoption. By targeting financially underserved populations, Visa aims to address a critical gap in global finance. According to the World Bank, approximately 1.4 billion adults remain unbanked. Many of these individuals have access to smartphones but lack access to traditional banking services. On-chain banking can provide them with a low-cost, accessible alternative. Target Markets and Expansion Plans The service will launch in three key regions: Europe: The European Union’s regulatory framework for crypto assets (MiCA) provides a clear path for compliant services. Asia: Countries like Singapore and Hong Kong have progressive crypto regulations and high smartphone penetration. South America: Nations like Brazil and Argentina have high inflation rates, making crypto an attractive store of value. After establishing a foothold in these markets, Visa and WeFi plan to expand to Africa, Southeast Asia, and other regions with significant unbanked populations. DeFi Institutional Payments: A New Paradigm WeFi’s platform is designed to bridge DeFi with institutional payment networks. This is crucial because DeFi has traditionally been dominated by retail investors and speculators. By partnering with Visa, WeFi can bring DeFi’s benefits to a wider audience, including businesses and governments. The platform uses a combination of smart contracts and traditional banking APIs to ensure that transactions are both fast and compliant. Technical Infrastructure WeFi’s technology stack includes: Smart contract-based escrow: Funds are held in smart contracts until transaction conditions are met. Automated market making: Liquidity is provided by algorithms that adjust prices in real-time. Multi-signature wallets: Enhanced security through multiple authorization layers. Compliance modules: Built-in KYC/AML checks that integrate with global databases. On-Chain Banking Infrastructure: Regulatory Considerations One of the biggest challenges for on-chain banking is regulation. Visa and WeFi are taking a proactive approach by working with regulators in each target market. In Europe, the service will comply with the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. In Asia, it will adhere to local licensing requirements. In South America, it will navigate the varying regulatory landscapes of each country. Visa’s experience in navigating global regulations gives it a significant advantage in this regard. Risk Management The partnership also addresses key risks associated with crypto banking: Volatility: Users can choose to hold stablecoins or convert to fiat instantly. Security: Multi-signature wallets and insurance coverage protect against hacks. Compliance: Automated monitoring ensures adherence to anti-money laundering rules. Visa Partners with WeFi: Industry Reactions The announcement has generated significant interest from the financial and crypto communities. Analysts view this as a validation of DeFi’s potential to transform traditional banking. However, some experts caution that regulatory hurdles remain significant. Dr. Sarah Chen, a fintech researcher at the University of Cambridge, notes: ‘This partnership could be a game-changer if it can navigate the complex regulatory landscape. The key will be execution.’ Comparison with Other Initiatives Visa is not alone in exploring on-chain banking. Mastercard has launched its own crypto-linked payment cards, and JPMorgan has developed the JPM Coin for institutional payments. However, Visa’s partnership with WeFi is unique in its focus on providing personal IBANs to individual users, rather than just institutional clients. This consumer-centric approach could give it a competitive edge. Conclusion Visa’s partnership with WeFi to build on-chain banking services represents a significant step toward mainstream adoption of blockchain technology. By combining Visa’s global network with WeFi’s DeFi expertise, the initiative aims to provide accessible, low-cost banking to underserved populations worldwide. The service’s launch in Europe, Asia, and South America will test its viability, but the potential impact on financial inclusion is enormous. As Visa partners with WeFi to bridge the gap between traditional and decentralized finance, the future of banking looks increasingly on-chain. FAQs Q1: What is the main goal of the Visa and WeFi partnership? A: The main goal is to build an on-chain banking infrastructure that provides users with personal IBANs, bridging decentralized finance with traditional payment networks. Q2: Who is WeFi and why is it significant? A: WeFi is a blockchain company founded by Tether co-founder Reeve Collins. It specializes in connecting DeFi with institutional payment networks, making it a key player in the crypto banking space. Q3: Where will the service launch first? A: The service will launch in Europe, Asia, and South America before expanding to financially underserved populations globally. Q4: How does on-chain banking differ from traditional banking? A: On-chain banking uses blockchain technology for transparent, fast, and low-cost transactions, while traditional banking relies on centralized databases and intermediaries. Q5: Is the service regulated? A: Yes, the service will comply with all relevant regulations, including KYC/AML requirements, in each operating jurisdiction. This post Visa Partners with WeFi to Build On-Chain Banking Services: A Groundbreaking Move for Financial Inclusion first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

28 Apr 2026, 14:22

Bitcoin ETFs see $263 million outflow as fear returns

🚨 Bitcoin ETFs saw $263 million in outflows as fear returned to the market. BTC briefly topped $78,000 but retreated to $76,000 amid selling. 📊 Critical data: Institutional interest still outpaces new supply in $BTC. Continue Reading: Bitcoin ETFs see $263 million outflow as fear returns The post Bitcoin ETFs see $263 million outflow as fear returns appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .

28 Apr 2026, 14:19

Japan Bitbank Launches Crypto-Linked Card That Settles Bills in Bitcoin

Japan crypto exchange Bitbank has launched a crypto-linked credit card that allows users to pay their bills directly in Bitcoin, the first such product from a licensed Japanese exchange to combine traditional credit functionality with BTC settlement. The move signals a meaningful shift in how Japan’s regulated crypto sector is approaching retail payment infrastructure. The card offers 0.5% cashback in cryptocurrency on all spending, layering a rewards incentive on top of the settlement mechanic. Bitcoin payments integration has never had a cleaner regulatory window in Japan than it does right now, and Bitbank is moving into that window ahead of competitors. Key Takeaways Settlement currency: Bitcoin, paid directly from user’s Bitbank exchange account Cashback rate: 0.5% in cryptocurrency on all card spending Card type: Credit card, not prepaid or debit Geographic scope: Japan, regulated under FSA licensing framework Exchange background: Bitbank FSA-licensed since 2017, operating since 2014 Discover: The best crypto to diversify your portfolio with How Bitbank’s Bitcoin Crypto Settlement Card Actually Works in Japan The mechanics are straightforward, but the product structure deserves precision. Users hold a Bitbank credit card, make purchases via standard card rails, and settle the resulting bill in Bitcoin held in their Bitbank exchange account rather than Japanese yen. The 0.5% cashback reward is paid in cryptocurrency, compounding the user’s crypto exposure with everyday spending. Bitbank, which received its Financial Services Agency license in 2017 and has operated as one of Japan’s foundational crypto exchanges since 2014, is rolling the product out domestically. Source: Bitbank The card targets Japanese retail users who already maintain BTC positions on the exchange and want to bring those holdings into day-to-day financial life without liquidating to fiat first. This is not a prepaid card or a crypto debit product; it is a credit card with Bitcoin as the settlement currency, a distinction that matters for the payments architecture. Japan’s 106th credit card company had already launched a crypto Visa prepaid card in September 2024, but Bitbank’s credit-first structure represents a separate and more integrated product category. Discover: The best pre-launch token sales The post Japan Bitbank Launches Crypto-Linked Card That Settles Bills in Bitcoin appeared first on Cryptonews .

28 Apr 2026, 14:19

Is Intense Selling Pressure on the Horizon as Shiba Inu Exchange Inflows Hit 184 Billion Coins?

A major shift in trader sentiment is rocking the Shiba Inu market, given that more than 184 billion SHIB have entered crypto exchanges.

28 Apr 2026, 14:17

XRP Price Flat Despite Strongest ETF Inflows of 2026

In the last two weeks, the XRP price is down from $1.51 to $1.37 current trading value registering a loss of 8.45%. The coin price still prolonged its near-term consolidation with the formation of inverted pennant pattern signaling a major breakout ahead. A steady inflow into spot XRP ETFs and significant exchange outflow indicate underlying demand pressure for Ripple crypto. XRP, the fourth largest cryptocurrency by market cap, is down 1.4% during Tuesday’s U.S. market hours to trade at $1.38. The downtick followed Bitcoin’s pullback as its associated spot ETFs recorded a notable outflow yesterday, ending a 9-day inflow streak. However, the price correction is currently considered a post-rally cool-off as a substantial number of XRP are moving out of the exchange. Here’s the key level that could kickstart recovery in XRP price. XRP ETF Inflows Hit 2026 High as 34.9M Token Outflow Hints at Supply Shock In April 2026, U.S. spot XRP ETFs attracted $81.63 million in net inflows – the highest monthly inflows of the year and a complete reversal of March’s outflows. This continued institutional investment has driven net inflows across the XRP ETF complex to a fresh record high of nearly $1.29 billion, according to data from SoSoValue . Significantly, there have been no significant outflows from the funds for three weeks, suggesting continued interest, especially from institutional investors, led by Bitwise. This buoyant performance contrasts with XRP’s price performance, which has been relatively flat over the same time frame. Although the spot price has yet to decisively break out, strong ETF inflows reflect some accumulation and institutional confidence. Further strengthening the bullish on-chain narrative, 34.94 million XRP flowed as net exchange outflows on the XRP Ledger in a single day – the sixth-largest 24-hour outflow in 2026. These significant transfers from exchanges into private wallets have historically led to price gains by decreasing supply and sell-side pressure. In aggregate, both the strong ETF inflows and high exchange outflows indicate that savvy money is stocking up as the market is distracted by other matters. Such a divergence scenario tends to resolve itself in favor of the side exhibiting capital allocation, and may bode well for XRP’s performance once resistance is broken. XRP Price Nearing Major Breakout From Bear Pennant Pattern Following a sharp correction in January 2026, the XRP price shifted its trajectory to sideways above the $1.2 floor. The daily chart highlights a steady consolidation trend within two converging trendlines indicating the formation of a bearish continuation pattern called inverted pennant pattern. Theoretically, the current lateral trend in XRP should allow sellers to recoup their exhausted bearish momentum and trigger the next breakdown. Currently, the Ripple XRP -2.13% cryptocurrency is less than 1% from rechallenging the bottom support. A potential breakdown from the support will intensify the selling pressure on XRP and plunge it to $1.28 support, followed by a dip to $1.125. XRP/USDT -1d Chart On the contrary, if the buyers continue to defend the bottom trendline, the XRP could rebound towards the $1.44 price level and retest the pennant resistance. Interestingly, the $1.44 level stands as a major supply wall against for coin holders as roughly 1.28 billion XRP is currently held at a loss below this level. As a result, a price retest to these levels allow market participants to sell at a breakeven value, creating a structural barrier for holders. That said, a potential breakout from this resistance will also trigger a shift in sentiment and invalidate the bearish pattern. A sustainable recovery above $1.44 will reduce panic selling from investors, bolstering Ripple crypto for a rally towards $1.8.

28 Apr 2026, 14:15

Market Updates: Bitcoin ETF Flows Snap Nine-Day Winning Streak, Core Scientific Expands into AI with 1.5GW Buildout, OKX Integrates BlackRock BUIDL for Collater...

Latest Market Updates: As of 28th April 2026. Crypto markets showed signs of cooling today, as institutional momentum slowed and broader sentiment turned more cautious. Visit Website