Global payments leader Visa has launched a new pilot enabling direct stablecoin payouts using Circle’s USDC, marking a major step toward faster and borderless digital payments. The program, designed for creators, freelancers, and gig workers, allows U.S. businesses using Visa Direct to send funds in fiat while recipients can instantly receive payments in USDC stablecoins.

Visa says this innovation gives workers “universal access to money in minutes,” offering a lifeline for those in regions with unstable currencies or limited banking access. The pilot follows Visa’s earlier stablecoin pre-funding test in September but now extends directly to end users, putting digital dollars straight into wallets that meet Visa’s KYC and AML standards.

Currently launching with select partners, the program will expand globally by late 2026. Visa has already processed over $140 billion in crypto and stablecoin transactions, and CEO Ryan McInerney confirmed that stablecoin-linked Visa card spending quadrupled over the past year.

The Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC) has officially listed Bitwise’s proposed spot Chainlink ETF (CLNK) under its “active and pre-launch” section, sparking optimism across the crypto community. The DTCC, a key U.S. institution handling trade settlement and custody services, often signals market readiness when adding ETFs to this stage of listing.

Bitwise’s ETF, first filed in August through an S-1 submission to the SEC, marks the first-ever proposal for a Chainlink-based ETF. Although listing on the DTCC does not guarantee regulatory approval, it is widely seen as a positive step toward potential launch. Grayscale followed with its own Chainlink ETF proposal in September, which may include LINK staking — unlike Bitwise’s version.

Chainlink, powered by its native token LINK, serves as a decentralized oracle network that connects smart contracts with real-world data. The development underscores growing institutional interest in blockchain infrastructure assets beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.

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Brazil’s central bank has unveiled new regulations for digital asset firms, marking a major step toward a safer and more transparent crypto market. The rules require all virtual asset service providers to obtain authorization from the central bank and meet strict standards on governance, cybersecurity, and anti–money laundering compliance.

Under the new framework, crypto firms will be categorized as intermediaries, custodians, or brokers, and must implement risk management and incident response systems to continue operating legally. The central bank also brought fiat-pegged stablecoins and cross-border crypto transactions under foreign exchange regulations, capping unauthorized transfers at $100,000.

Set to take effect in February 2026, companies will have nine months to comply or face closure by November 2026. Brazil, ranked fifth globally in crypto adoption, continues to lead Latin America’s digital asset ecosystem, handling nearly one-third of the region’s crypto activity. The move signals Brazil’s commitment to building a secure, regulated environment for growing crypto innovation.

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Key Takeaways

Trump proposes a $2,000 “Tariff Dividend” funded by U.S. tariff revenues for most Americans.

Markets and Bitcoin surged on the announcement, echoing past stimulus-driven rallies.

The plan’s fate hinges on a Supreme Court ruling over presidential tariff powers.

President Donald Trump has announced a new plan that could give most Americans a $2,000 “tariff dividend” check. The promise, shared on his Truth Social account, immediately caused excitement across financial markets — especially in the world of Bitcoin and digital assets.

Donald Trump on Truth Social

Trump said the money would come from U.S. tariff revenues collected…

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Business intelligence firm Strategy has made another bold move into the crypto market, purchasing an additional $50 million worth of Bitcoin (BTC), as announced on Monday. This marks the company’s largest buy since late September, with the latest coins acquired at an average price of $102,557 per BTC. The firm’s total Bitcoin holdings now stand at an impressive 641,692 BTC, further solidifying its position as one of the biggest corporate Bitcoin holders globally.

Despite the aggressive expansion, Strategy faces mounting criticism over its financial stability. The company’s stock has taken a hit, drawing skepticism from investors, including venture capitalist Jason Calacanis, who warned of potential collapse risks.

Adding to the concerns, S&P Global Ratings recently gave Strategy a B- credit rating, highlighting its heavy debt load and limited diversification. While the firm touts this as progress, reports from The Financial Times and The Wall Street Journal suggest that its Bitcoin-centric strategy could soon face major challenges.