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Visa in Talks to Acquire Fireblocks for $2.5 Billion Amid Denials
Visa is reportedly in advanced discussions to acquire Fireblocks, a company specializing in digital asset custody and stablecoin infrastructure, for approximately $2.5 billion. This information comes from Axios, citing multiple sources familiar with the matter.
Founded in 2018, Fireblocks has developed a platform that allows financial institutions and fintech companies to securely manage, move, tokenize, and settle digital assets and stablecoins. The platform is currently utilized by over 2,500 institutions, including major payment providers like Worldpay and Euronet, which are part of Visa's network.
Fireblocks achieved an $8 billion valuation in January 2022 after securing $550 million in a Series E funding round. The company has been expanding into traditional finance, notably with the recent addition of former Visa executive Vasant Prabhu to its team.
However, on the same day that the acquisition news broke, Fireblocks issued a statement denying the report, saying, “This is news to us, and not true at present time.” Visa has not commented on the speculation surrounding the acquisition.
If the acquisition were to occur, it would mark Visa's first significant entry into the stablecoin sector through an acquisition. The reported valuation of $2.5 billion raises questions, as it represents a steep decline from Fireblocks' previous valuation, potentially impacting investor expectations across the crypto industry.
Visa and Fireblocks already have an established relationship, with Visa utilizing Fireblocks' infrastructure for over 160 stablecoin-linked card programs and USDC settlement pilots. Acquiring Fireblocks would consolidate custody and wallet technology under Visa's control, which could influence the competitive landscape for other financial institutions relying on Fireblocks' services.
New Developments on Visa and Fireblocks Acquisition Talks
Fireblocks has officially denied reports that Visa is in late-stage discussions to acquire the company for approximately $2.5 billion. The firm stated, "We are aware of the rumors about a possible acquisition of Fireblocks by Visa. This is news to us, and not true at present time," according to a statement provided to The Block.
The denial follows a report from Axios, which claimed that the two companies were close to finalizing a deal. If it were to occur, this acquisition would mark Visa's first entry into the stablecoin sector and rank among the largest transactions in the cryptocurrency industry, second only to Coinbase's $2.9 billion acquisition of Deribit in 2025.
Fireblocks, founded in 2018 by Israeli cybersecurity veterans Michael Shaulov, Pavel Berengoltz, and Idan Ofrat, had a valuation of $8 billion in January 2022 when it raised $550 million in a Series E funding round. The company provides essential infrastructure for banks, exchanges, and fintechs to manage and transfer digital assets, boasting clients such as BNY Mellon, Worldpay, and Revolut.
In September 2025, Fireblocks launched its own stablecoin payments network, which includes over 40 participants like Circle and Zerohash, and introduced tools for neobanks and a settlement suite designed for AI agents.
New Developments on Visa and Fireblocks
- Fireblocks has officially denied claims of a $2.5 billion acquisition by Visa, stating that the rumors are "not true at present time."
- The reported acquisition price of $2.5 billion is significantly lower than Fireblocks' last valuation of $8 billion, which was established after raising $550 million in January 2022.
- Fireblocks facilitates the secure movement of digital assets for banks, crypto exchanges, and payment companies, handling over $300 billion in stablecoin transactions monthly.
- Visa's interest in Fireblocks could enhance its capabilities in blockchain-based payments, especially after launching its own stablecoin platform in July and moving a stablecoin-powered service into production this month.
- Concerns have been raised about whether Fireblocks would remain a neutral technology provider if acquired by Visa, given that some of its customers compete with Visa.
FAQ
What is the purpose of Visa's potential acquisition of Fireblocks?
Visa aims to acquire Fireblocks to enhance its capabilities in digital asset custody and stablecoin infrastructure, potentially marking its significant entry into the stablecoin sector.
What is Fireblocks known for?
Fireblocks specializes in digital asset custody and stablecoin infrastructure, providing a platform for financial institutions and fintech companies to securely manage, move, tokenize, and settle digital assets.
How much is Visa reportedly willing to pay for Fireblocks?
Visa is reportedly in talks to acquire Fireblocks for approximately $2.5 billion.
What was Fireblocks' valuation before the acquisition talks?
Fireblocks achieved an $8 billion valuation in January 2022 after a Series E funding round.
What was Fireblocks' response to the acquisition rumors?
Fireblocks issued a statement denying the acquisition report, stating, 'This is news to us, and not true at present time.'