Sam Altman’s World Network in talks with Visa on crypto wallet integration
World Network, the blockchain ecosystem connected to biometric ID project Worldcoin, is exploring a potential collaboration with Visa.
The discussions focus on linking Visa’s card services to a self-custody crypto wallet, according to a person familiar with the matter.
If finalised, the partnership could enable users to access card-based features through World Network’s wallet, including fiat on and off-ramps, cross-border payments, and stablecoin transactions with merchants across the Visa network.
Expanding wallet capabilities
Tools for Humanity—the company behind Worldcoin and World Network—has reportedly issued a product request form to card issuers, outlining plans to integrate Visa functionality with the World Wallet. CoinDesk reviewed a copy of the request.
The company has also engaged with Rain, a Coinbase- and Circle-backed firm that provides on-chain Visa cards for crypto projects like Optimism and Avalanche. According to a source with knowledge of the initiative, the goal is to make World Wallet function as an all-in-one financial tool.
“The plan is to build up a whole connected wallet strategy so that you can trade in all kinds of things, from FX to crypto, load to wallet, send to wallet, spend from card,” the person said. “Basically to turn World Wallet into a mini bank account for anyone who wants it.”
The source also noted that Tools for Humanity’s reach could pose a challenge to other wallet providers exploring similar offerings.
Visa’s continued interest in crypto
Major card networks like Visa and Mastercard have been working with crypto-related firms in recent years, seeking ways to integrate blockchain-based technologies into their existing infrastructure.
Visa has partnered with cryptocurrency service providers before to launch payment tools. For example, RedotPay has partnered with Visa and StraitsX to launch a crypto-backed credit card in Singapore. The initiative allows users to spend digital assets at Visa-enabled merchants in real time by converting crypto to fiat.
World Network’s broader plans
Earlier in March, World Network debuted World Chat, a messaging application with built-in crypto transfers. The functionality allows users to send digital assets through the chat interface, indicating that the platform intends to expand its functionality beyond identification.
Worldcoin, the project’s biometric component that uses iris scans to verify identity, has been the subject of regulatory scrutiny since its debut in 2021. The project has faced questions over data collection practices in several countries.
Regulatory scrutiny continues
According to Fintech Singapore, authorities in Singapore and Hong Kong are currently reviewing Worldcoin’s operations. Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Commission is investigating whether the project has complied with local privacy laws. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data has launched an investigation into the handling of biometric data.
Similar concerns have surfaced in Kenya and across European jurisdictions, where regulators evaluating developing technologies continue to prioritise data privacy and consent.
See also: Sam Altman’s World Network introduces messaging feature with identity verification
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