Visa has partnered with South Korean digital asset company Dunamu to explore stablecoin payments, cross-border remittances, and artificial intelligence-powered financial services. The agreement links Dunamu’s digital asset infrastructure with Visa’s global payments network as financial institutions increasingly test blockchain-based money movement.
Dunamu, the operator of South Korea’s leading cryptocurrency exchange Upbit, said the partnership will focus on developing new payment and settlement models. The companies will also examine how stablecoins can connect with existing financial infrastructure while supporting compliant and interoperable digital asset services.
Stablecoin Payment Infrastructure
The partnership will explore potential applications for Open USD, or OUSD, an emerging dollar-backed stablecoin developed under the Open Standard initiative. However, Dunamu has indicated that OUSD remains one of several stablecoin options under consideration.
The companies plan to assess use cases that could include stablecoin-based payments and international remittances. They have not announced specific launch dates, markets, or consumer products.
Visa has accelerated its stablecoin strategy throughout 2026. Its global stablecoin settlement program now supports multiple blockchains, while the company has also introduced infrastructure designed to help financial institutions manage stablecoin operations.
AI Agents Could Transform Payments
The partnership also targets AI-powered payments and so-called agentic commerce. This model allows AI systems to search for products or services and potentially complete transactions on behalf of users.
Visa has been developing infrastructure for AI-driven commerce, including systems designed to provide identity, authorization, security, and transaction controls. Dunamu’s partnership could extend those efforts into South Korea’s rapidly developing digital asset market.
The deal comes shortly after Visa announced a separate collaboration with Shinhan Financial Group involving stablecoins, AI, and business payments. Together, the agreements highlight South Korea’s growing importance as traditional financial institutions and cryptocurrency companies explore blockchain-based payment infrastructure.
For Visa, the Dunamu partnership offers access to a major crypto market. For Dunamu, it provides a route to connect digital assets with established global payment infrastructure. The companies now face the challenge of turning their exploration into commercially viable products while navigating evolving regulations.
