World Network, the blockchain-powered ecosystem tied to the controversial Worldcoin project, is reportedly negotiating with payment giant Visa to integrate advanced card features into its self-custody cryptocurrency wallet. The initiative, spearheaded by Tools for Humanity—a company co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman—aims to transform the World Wallet into a versatile financial tool, potentially reshaping how users interact with digital and traditional currencies.
According to an insider familiar with the discussions, the collaboration seeks to equip World Network wallets with Visa card capabilities. This would enable users to access a suite of financial services, including seamless foreign exchange (FX) transactions, fiat on- and off-ramps, and the ability to make stablecoin payments at thousands of merchants within Visa’s global network. “The vision is to create a comprehensive wallet system where people can trade everything from forex to crypto, top up their wallets, transfer funds, and spend directly with a card,” the source explained. “Essentially, it’s about turning World Wallet into a mini bank account accessible to anyone.”
Evidence of these ambitions surfaced when Tools for Humanity recently distributed a product request form to various card issuers, a document reviewed by industry outlet CoinDesk. The move underscores a broader strategy to bridge the gap between decentralized finance and mainstream payment systems. World Network has also engaged with Rain, a crypto card provider supported by Coinbase and Circle, known for facilitating on-chain Visa cards for blockchain platforms like Optimism and Avalanche.
The potential partnership comes on the heels of World Network’s recent enhancements. Earlier this month, the platform unveiled World Chat, a messaging feature integrated into its app that allows users to send and receive cryptocurrency directly within conversations. This development highlights World Network’s push to expand beyond its roots in biometric identity verification—powered by Worldcoin’s iris-scanning “Orb” technology—into a broader financial and communication ecosystem.
Worldcoin, launched in 2021, has long stirred debate due to its use of biometric data to create unique digital identities, raising privacy concerns worldwide. Despite the scrutiny, Altman and his team at Tools for Humanity appear undeterred, leveraging his influence and resources to position World Network as a formidable player in the fintech space. “With Altman’s backing, other wallet providers should be on alert,” the source cautioned, suggesting that the project’s scale and vision could disrupt the competitive landscape.
The talks with Visa reflect a growing trend among major card networks, including Visa and Mastercard, to explore synergies with cryptocurrency initiatives. By tapping into these established infrastructures, World Network could offer users unprecedented flexibility—blending the benefits of blockchain technology with the convenience of traditional payment systems.
Neither Tools for Humanity nor Rain provided statements on the matter, and Visa has yet to respond to inquiries as of this publication. While details remain preliminary, the prospect of a Visa-powered World Wallet signals a bold step toward mainstream adoption of stablecoins and decentralized finance, potentially redefining the future of personal finance.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops. For the latest in cryptocurrency and fintech news, subscribe to our newsletter below.
Be First to Comment