Visa and World Network in Crypto Wallet Talks

Visa is reportedly in advanced discussions with Tools for Humanity, the organization behind Sam Altman’s Worldcoin, to integrate Visa card functionality into self-custody crypto wallets. This collaboration could potentially revolutionize digital wallets by merging traditional payment systems with decentralized identity and asset management, offering a significant shift in the global financial landscape.

World Network Infrastructure

The core of this initiative is the World Wallet, a part of the World Network infrastructure. This wallet aims to develop into a comprehensive financial platform. Sources familiar with the project indicate plans to create a "connected wallet strategy" that supports various functionalities such as fiat-to-crypto conversions, cross-border payments, and stablecoin transactions. Essentially, the World Wallet is being positioned as a "mini bank account" designed for both digitally native users and financially underserved populations.

By leveraging Visa's extensive network of global merchants, the World Wallet would allow users to send, receive, and spend digital assets seamlessly. This includes services like foreign exchange (FX), stablecoin settlements, and traditional fiat transactions. On-chain card capabilities would enhance interoperability between crypto holdings and everyday spending directly from the user’s wallet.

Redefining the Self-Custody Wallet

This initiative could redefine the role of self-custody wallets within the financial ecosystem. Traditionally limited to crypto-native environments, these wallets are now venturing into mainstream fintech territory. The potential partnership with Visa would establish crucial fiat on- and off-ramps, addressing significant frictions in the crypto-to-cash user journey.

World Network is already collaborating with crypto card infrastructure providers like Rain, which is backed by Coinbase and Circle. Rain supports on-chain Visa card issuance for various protocols, including Optimism and Avalanche. A request-for-product (RFP) form circulated to card issuers highlights the seriousness of the integration plans.

Serious About Crypto Transfers

This development follows World Network’s launch of World Chat, a messaging feature enabling crypto transfers between users. Combined with its biometric identity layer, powered by the controversial iris-scanning Worldcoin Orb, the ecosystem aims to merge identity, communication, and finance into a single platform.

If successful, this partnership would represent one of the most ambitious integrations of decentralized finance with mainstream payment infrastructure. As one insider noted, given Sam Altman’s extensive resources and influence, "other wallet providers should be worried."

While Visa, Rain, and Tools for Humanity have not commented publicly, the proposed initiative could position World Network at the forefront of a new era in digital payments. Here, wallets would not only store assets but also facilitate daily financial activities.

In summary, the potential partnership between Visa and World Network signifies a groundbreaking step towards integrating traditional financial systems with decentralized technologies. By enhancing digital wallets’ functionalities and accessibility, this collaboration could redefine how users interact with digital assets, making them an integral part of everyday financial activities.