Can Visa's Monad Integration Boost Its Stablecoin Strategy?
Visa Inc. V is expanding its blockchain payment infrastructure by adding Monad to its stablecoin settlement network. The development enables participating Visa card issuers and acquirers to use the Monad blockchain for stablecoin settlement, providing financial institutions another option for transferring funds. Monad joins Visa's existing supported blockchains, including Ethereum, Solana, Avalanche, Stellar, Polygon, Base, Canton, Arc and Tempo.The integration supports Visa's multi-chain approach as financial institutions explore blockchain networks for faster and more flexible settlement. Unlike conventional banking infrastructure, blockchain-based settlement can facilitate fund transfers around the clock, including weekends and holidays. Monad's compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine also makes it suitable for institutions seeking to leverage existing Ethereum-based development tools and integrations.The move builds on Visa's growing stablecoin business. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, the company reported an annualized stablecoin settlement run rate of over $25 billion, representing tenfold year-over-year growth. It also had more than 225 stablecoin-linked card programs operating globally. These developments reflect the expanding role of stablecoins in payment flows and create opportunities for Visa to extend its settlement capabilities beyond traditional financial rails.Monad is also developing a Private Settlement feature, expected to launch in the coming months. It will allow financial institutions to protect commercially sensitive transaction details while retaining access for auditors and regulators.For Visa, expanding blockchain connectivity could deepen relationships with banks, fintechs and digital asset platforms while supporting the company's position in an evolving payments market.How Are Competitors Faring?Some of V’s competitors in the fintech space include Mastercard Incorporated MA and PayPal Holdings, Inc. PYPL.Mastercard is advancing its stablecoin strategy through expanded blockchain settlement capabilities and its acquisition of BVNK. Its collaboration with SoFi enables stablecoin-based card settlement, strengthening Mastercard's ability to support faster transactions and flexible payment options across its global network.PayPal is expanding its stablecoin presence through PayPal USD (PYUSD), now available across 70 markets. Its growing blockchain connectivity supports cross-border transfers and digital commerce, positioning PayPal to capture opportunities as businesses increasingly explore stablecoin-based payment solutions.Visa’s Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesOver the past year, shares of Visa have risen 24.8% compared with the industry’s growth of 5.6%.From a valuation standpoint, Visa trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 27.74, well above the industry average of 19.53. V carries a Value Score of D.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Visa’s fiscal 2027 earnings implies a 13.2% jump from the year-ago period.Visa stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.Beyond Nvidia: AI's Second Wave Is HereThe AI revolution has already minted millionaires. But the stocks everyone knows about aren't likely to keep delivering the biggest profits. AI’s second wave is moving from infrastructure to implementation and these companies are at the forefront of this transition, positioned to become what Amazon and Google were to the internet era.See Stocks Now >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportVisa Inc. (V): Free Stock Analysis ReportMastercard Incorporated (MA): Free Stock Analysis ReportPayPal Holdings, Inc. (PYPL): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment Research