Quantoz to Issue Cards Backed by 1:1 Regulated Stablecoins
Dutch payments firm Quantoz Payments will issue Visa-branded virtual debit cards across Europe after securing a principal membership with the global payments network. The partnership allows users to spend balances held in Quantoz's regulated e-money tokens—USDQ, EURQ, and EURD—anywhere Visa is accepted. This integration aims to provide a seamless bridge between digital currency holdings and real-world commerce.
Operating under a license from the Dutch central bank, Quantoz ensures its tokens are fully backed 1:1 by reserves held in a bankruptcy-remote structure. The company also maintains an additional 2% reserve buffer on its balance sheet to bolster stability. Under the agreement, Quantoz will also operate as a Bank Identification Number (BIN) sponsor, empowering other fintech companies to embed these stablecoin-linked card services directly into their own platforms.
Visa Expands Stablecoin Push as Mastercard Weighs Acquisitions
The Quantoz deal is part of Visa's broader strategy to deepen its role in the digital asset ecosystem through partnerships and pilots. In July, Visa expanded its settlement platform to include stablecoins like Global Dollar (USDG), PayPal USD (PYUSD), and Euro Coin (EURC) on the Stellar and Avalanche blockchains. The company also launched a pilot in September using USDC and EURC to facilitate near-instant cross-border payments. CEO Ryan McInerney confirmed Visa's intent to continue growing its stablecoin capabilities.
In contrast, competitor Mastercard appears to be pursuing an acquisition-driven strategy to build its on-chain infrastructure. Instead of integrating various partners, reports suggest Mastercard is evaluating the purchase of a turnkey digital asset provider to accelerate its entry into the space. This strategic divergence underscores the accelerating race between financial incumbents to establish a foothold in the stablecoin market.
