NEW YORK — August 5, 2026
Executive Summary
Lithic and Lightspark have partnered to launch a Visa card program issued by Lead Bank that settles in USDC. The collaboration combines Lithic’s issuer processing platform with Lightspark’s stablecoin infrastructure, supporting blockchain-based settlement while providing programmable authorization, fraud controls, and global payment capabilities through a unified card processing architecture.
Announcement Overview
Lithic announced a partnership with Lightspark to support a Visa card program that settles transactions in USDC, reflecting continued adoption of stablecoin-based settlement infrastructure. Issued by Lead Bank, the program combines Lightspark’s native stablecoin platform with Lithic’s issuer processing technology and Authorization Intelligence. The companies stated that the integration delivers programmable transaction controls, unified issuer processing, and settlement capabilities designed to support global payment experiences across multiple markets.
Key Announcement Details
- Announcement Type: Partnership
- Announcing Entity: Lithic
- Partner: Lightspark
- Issuing Bank: Lead Bank
- Network: Visa
- Settlement: USDC
- Announcement Date: August 5, 2026
- Dateline: NEW YORK
- Primary Purpose: Stablecoin card settlement
- Product Focus: Global card program
- Core Technology: Stablecoin infrastructure
- Authorization Platform: Lithic Authorization Intelligence
- Transaction Controls: Programmable authorization, authentication and fraud controls
- Settlement Model: Blockchain-based settlement
- Account Model: Native stablecoin balances
- Currency Conversion: At point of spend
- Geographic Scope: Global (65+ countries supported by Lightspark platform)
- Industry Focus: Card issuing infrastructure
- Payment Asset: USDC
- Target Users: Businesses and financial technology platforms
- Strategic Objective: Unified issuer processing with stablecoin settlement rails
Partnership Supports USDC Settlement on the Visa Network
Lithic and Lightspark announced a strategic partnership to power Lightspark’s card program on the Visa network.
The program is:
- Issued by Lead Bank
- Settled in USDC
- Built on Visa’s payment network
- Designed around blockchain-based settlement infrastructure
According to the companies, the initiative reflects broader adoption of stablecoins for real-world payment settlement.
USDC Settlement Integrated Into Lightspark Platform
Lightspark stated that USDC settlement capabilities are integrated directly into its payments platform.
According to the announcement, the platform:
- Holds account balances natively in stablecoins
- Converts funds into local currency at the point of spend
- Uses the same settlement rails across the broader Lightspark platform and the card program
- Supports a unified payment experience built around stablecoin infrastructure
The integration allows settlement to occur within the same operational framework already supporting Lightspark’s global payments platform.
Lithic Provides Unified Issuer Processing
Lithic’s issuer processing platform serves as the operational foundation for the card program.
Its Authorization Intelligence platform provides a programmable decisioning layer that brings together multiple functions traditionally managed separately.
According to the company, the system unifies:
- Card authorization
- Device authentication
- Fraud controls
- Transaction decisioning
Rather than relying on independent systems, Lightspark can apply programmable controls throughout the transaction lifecycle using a single processing architecture.
Leadership Commentary
David Marcus, Chief Executive Officer of Lightspark, said:
“We’re building payments infrastructure that makes money move instantly and without friction, which means speed is essential.”
He added:
“We needed a processor that could match our pace, and Lithic delivered.”
Marcus further stated:
“The team made it feel like a real partnership from day one.”
According to Lightspark, selecting Lithic was driven by the need for issuer processing technology capable of supporting high-speed payment infrastructure built around stablecoin settlement.
Bo Jiang, Chief Executive Officer of Lithic, said:
“Lightspark came to us with a vision for one of the most ambitious card programs, spanning multiple geographies, incorporating stablecoin capabilities and demanding a level of speed most processors aren’t built to meet.”
He added:
“Lithic was built for exactly this, and that is the result of deliberate architectural choices we made years ago.”
Stablecoin Infrastructure and Global Payments
According to the announcement, the partnership combines issuer processing with infrastructure designed for cross-border money movement.
The companies stated that the platform supports:
- Sending money
- Receiving funds
- Holding balances
- Spending funds
- Currency conversion
- Stablecoin settlement
- Multi-country payment operations
The collaboration is intended to align issuer processing with stablecoin-based payment infrastructure while maintaining compatibility with established card networks.
About Lithic
Lithic is a card issuing processor serving technology companies that build financial products and payment experiences. Its APIs and operational services enable businesses to issue debit, credit, and prepaid cards while supporting money movement and card program management. The company focuses on scalable issuer processing and programmable infrastructure for organizations expanding financial services globally.
About Lightspark
Lightspark provides infrastructure for moving money globally through a single integration supporting fiat currencies and stablecoins. Its platform enables businesses to send, receive, hold, spend, and convert funds across more than 65 countries. Through its Global Accounts offering, businesses can provide users with dollar-denominated accounts while retaining transaction economics across supported payment flows.
Media Contact
For additional information, visit lithic.com.
Source Attribution
Source: Company announcement
