Core Insights - Visa has selected two small state banks, Cross River Bank and Lead Bank, to pilot its stablecoin settlement solution in the U.S., which could significantly impact global payment systems [1][4][7] Group 1: Visa's Stablecoin Initiative - Visa's stablecoin journey began in 2021 with the use of USDC for cross-border payments, and it has accelerated efforts in 2025 to expand the pilot across various regions [2] - The company is transitioning from experimentation to real-world implementation of stablecoin settlements, focusing on its largest market [3] Group 2: Benefits of Stablecoin Settlement - Financial institutions in the U.S. are seeking faster, programmable settlement options that integrate with existing treasury operations while ensuring security and compliance [5] - Advantages of stablecoin settlement include seven-day availability, which eliminates delays for merchants receiving card payments on weekends [5] Group 3: Role of Selected Banks - Cross River Bank and Lead Bank, while lacking significant retail presence and national bank charters, are vital players in the U.S. fintech ecosystem [7] - Cross River Bank, established in 2008, serves as a "banking-as-a-service" (BaaS) provider for fintech companies [8]