World Network and Visa: A Collaboration with Global Ambitions
World Network, the blockchain ecosystem built around Worldcoin, is in advanced negotiations with Visa to integrate the features of a banking card directly into a self-custody crypto wallet. The goal is to turn World Wallet into a true banking alternative that is accessible to everyone worldwide.
According to a source familiar with the matter, this initiative aims to offer World Wallet users access to an extensive range of financial services, including stablecoin payments to millions of Visa-affiliated merchants, instant conversions between fiat currencies and crypto-assets, as well as money transfers and currency management. A product request form has already been sent to major card issuers by Tools for Humanity, the company founded by Sam Altman (also the CEO of OpenAI) who oversees the entire project.
Towards a New Generation of Digital Wallets
In addition to discussions with Visa, World Network is engaging with other key industry players such as Rain, a fintech specializing in on-chain Visa cards backed by Coinbase and Circle. Rain has facilitated the issuance of cards for major blockchain projects like Optimism and Avalanche.
The ambition is clear: to create a unified financial infrastructure where users can recharge their wallets, conduct transactions in crypto or traditional currencies, and directly spend their funds using a Visa card linked to their wallet.
“The goal is to transform World Wallet into a mini bank account for those in need.” Source involved in the project, according to Coindesk
With such a vision led by Sam Altman, known for his execution capabilities and vast resources, some industry observers believe that other wallet providers have reason to be concerned.
An Infrastructure Centered on Biometrics
The rapid development of World Network relies on Worldcoin, a fascinating yet controversial biometric device launched in 2021. Through the Orb, a retinal scanner, the network collects biometric data to generate a unique digital identity, which is a prerequisite for accessing World Wallet services. This technological choice has sparked numerous privacy concerns, but it remains central to World Network’s expansion strategy.
In early March, the network already announced the launch of World Chat, a messaging feature integrated into the wallet, as well as the ability to send money between users through crypto transactions.
Visa and Payment Giants Embrace Blockchain
World Network’s initiative is part of a broader movement: leading payment companies like Visa and Mastercard are intensifying their collaboration with crypto players to explore tangible use cases at the intersection of digital assets and traditional financial services. Partnerships with non-custodial wallets allow these giants to expand their network to new forms of transactions while staying connected to the developments in blockchain infrastructure.
