This includes becoming a member of Visa in APAC and the UK that will allow Wirex to directly issue crypto-enabled debit and prepaid cards themselves to over 40 countries.

The agreement between Wirex and Visa will support further collaboration in major markets, including APAC, UK, Europe and the USA. Membership of Visa enables Wirex to offer new innovative products to utilise crypto in the everyday, improve user-experience and pilot new blockchain initiatives.

The news is another milestone for the London-based company with over 5 million customers. Wirex’s largest customer-base is in the UK, with rapid growth in APAC, having been a finalist for the SFF Global Fintech Awards at the Singapore Fintech Festival in November last year. It’s hoped that this partnership will continue helping them to empower everyone to access the benefits of crypto.

The announcement builds on the two companies existing relationship. In 2015, Wirex were the first company in the world to develop a crypto-enabled card, allowing users to buy, hold, exchange, sell multiple traditional and cryptocurrencies, and spend them at over 80 million locations where Visa is accepted. Customers benefit from real-time point-of-sale conversion, exclusive interbank and OTC exchange rates, free international ATM withdrawals, zero monthly fees, free fiat-to-fiat exchanges, and up to 8% Cryptoback™ rewards for every purchase.

Svyatoslav Garal, Regional Managing Director of Wirex APAC, said "It’s great to strengthen our partnership with Visa, who have played an important role in allowing us to bridge the gap between the traditional and digital economies. Visa’s proven commitment to safety, security and innovation will help us to continue developing a next-generation app and card."

Matt Wood, Head of Digital Partnerships, Asia Pacific, Visa, commented: "Visa wants to bring more payment options to consumers by connecting digital currencies with our network of banks and merchants. We’re excited that Wirex is expanding their focus on Asia Pacific, making it easy and seamless for people to spend their crypto balance at the millions of merchants that accept Visa in the region."

Wirex will continue working closely with Visa to expand services and roll out their card program worldwide. In the coming weeks, Wirex will announce another significant partnership for card issuance in Australia.