Sao Paulo, 10 October 2024Visa, one of the largest global payment companies, has just taken a significant step towards integrating traditional finance with Web3.BTC and Echoconfirmed by sources close to the project, the company was named asSuper ValidatorNo isCanton NetworkA blockchain network focused on decentralized governance and on-chain infrastructure.

This movement reinforces the growing interest of traditional financial institutions in distributed logging technologies and smart contracts, especially with regard to the use of digital data.StablecoinsFor the Brazilian market, where the use of cryptocurrencies and digital assets has been growing — even amid regulations still being discussed in Congress — the participation of a giant like Visa may signal a green signal for the institutional adoption of commercial blockchains.

What is the Canton Network and why is Visa important?

O Canton NetworkIt is a blockchain developed byDigital assets, designed to facilitate secure, transparent and regulatory financial transactions. Unlike public networks like Bitcoin or Ethereum, Canton is aimed at institutions that need privacy and compliance — essential features for banks and payment companies.

Application of the visa asSuper ValidatorIn blockchain networks, validators are responsible for validating transactions andining network integrity. Being a Super Validator means having greater decision-making power and influence in updating network protocols and rules. Until then, this role was mainly occupied by European and Asian financial consortia. Visa’s entry — with its global presence and operational capacity — can accelerate the adoption of the Canton Network in emerging markets, including Brazil.

Blockchain and payments: an inevitable marriage?

This is not Visa’s first move in the crypto universe. The company had already launched payment solutions using stablecoins in 2023, integrating with the Solana network for fast and low-cost transactions. Now, by taking an active role in the governance of a blockchain focused on institutional finance, Visa reinforces thatBlockchain is no longer synonymous with Bitcoin or speculationBut yes ofThe financial infrastructure of the future.

The second analysis ofCoinGeckoIn Brazil, the use of stablecoins like USDT and USDC has been driven by the high volatility of the real and the pursuit of hedge against inflation. With the participation of players like Visa, the confidence in this ecosystem tends to increase, reducing regulatory and operational barriers.

Impact on the Brazilian market and prospects for Web3

Brazil is already one of the largest cryptocurrency markets in Latin America, with a daily trading volume exceeding R$2 billion by 2024, according to data from the Financial Times.CoinTrader MonitorThe entry of an institution such as Visa into the Canton Network can directly influence:

  • The Regulation :Brazilian authorities, such as Banco Central and CVM, can see with good eyes the approximation between traditional companies and regulated blockchains, facilitating future regulations.
  • The financial institutions:Brazilian banks such as Itaú, Bradesco and Nubank are already exploring blockchain solutions.
  • Startups of Web3:Brazilian companies that develop fintech applications or asset tokenization can benefit from greater integration into international networks.

In addition, Visa’s presence in the Canton Network can accelerate the adoption ofRegulated stablecoinsIn the year 2023, theThe Dream Project, led by the Central Bank of Brazil, tested the use of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) in transactions with stablecoins.With players like Visa operating on private networks, the boundary between CBDCs and commercial stablecoins can narrow.

Blockchain is not just Bitcoin: what changes for the investor?

Many Brazilian investors still associate blockchain exclusively with the volatile cryptocurrency market. However, the technology has much broader and more relevant applications for everyday financial life. With networks like the Canton Network, the focus turns to:

  • The international payments:Transfers between countries can become faster and cheaper, with settlement in seconds.
  • Tokenization of assets:Property, stocks or commodities can be represented digitally, facilitating negotiations and fractional ownership.
  • The Corporate Governance:Companies can use blockchains to register shareholders, votes and transactions in a transparent and immutable way.

For the Brazilian investor, this means more opportunities in companies operating with blockchain infrastructure, as well as potential indirect gains from the valuation of technologies adopted by solid institutions such as Visa.

Next Step: What to Expect?

There is no fixed date yet for the start of Canton Network operations with Visa’s active participation as Super Validator. However, industry experts expect the network to start operating in pilot mode as early as 2025, with gradual expansion in the following years. Digital Asset, the company behind the project, is already working in partnership with several global financial institutions, including JPMorgan and BNP Paribas.

In Brazil, it is expected that Visa will use its local expertise to adapt solutions to the market, considering the high adherence to digital means of payment — such as PIX — and the demand for alternatives to real in international transactions.

One thing is certain:The blockchain ecosystem is ceasing to be a niche of enthusiasts to become a key piece in the global financial infrastructureAnd with the arrival of giants like Visa, this process is accelerating.

For investors and enthusiasts, the message is clear: it’s time to look beyond the price of Bitcoin.layer of infrastructureOpportunities are just beginning.