Tokenization is quickly becoming a defining theme in the cryptocurrency market, with the value of tokenized real-world assets tripling over the past year. As digital finance undergoes structural shifts amid persistent macroeconomic risks, industry leaders are increasingly focused on how blockchain technology is reshaping global payments. Speaking with FintechTV’s Remy Blaire, Ahmed Zifzaf, Head of Crypto Partnerships at Worldpay, outlined how tokenization and stablecoins are changing the way businesses manage capital and access financial infrastructure.
Worldpay, which was recently acquired by Global Payments in a multibillion-dollar transaction led by GTCR, sits at the center of this transformation. Zifzaf described how crypto is opening doors for companies that have historically struggled to access global financial systems. “Companies that traditionally lack access to currencies like the U.S. dollar are now utilizing stablecoins, allowing them to tokenize their treasuries and streamline their financial operations,” he said. According to Zifzaf, blockchain-based rails are enabling transactions and efficiencies that were previously out of reach for many businesses.
Artificial intelligence is also playing a growing role alongside blockchain. Zifzaf pointed to the emerging synergy between distributed ledgers and AI-driven tools, describing blockchain as a global ledger and AI as an intelligent agent that can act on that data. “Blockchains can enable a new wave of intelligent commerce,” he said, while noting that challenges remain around fraud detection and determining whether solutions should be primarily consumer-facing or enterprise-focused.
Stablecoins were another major focus of the discussion. Zifzaf said interest in stablecoin integration is rising rapidly, as companies look to accept digital dollars alongside traditional fiat payments. “This interoperability across different geographies and asset classes is indicative of a promising trend,” he said, adding that broader adoption could significantly expand the role of stablecoins in global commerce.
Institutional adoption of crypto continues to accelerate, particularly in emerging markets. Zifzaf observed that consumers in these regions are increasingly turning to cryptocurrencies and stablecoins for everyday transactions. At the same time, businesses are using crypto for settlement, improving the speed and efficiency of treasury operations. “These developments demonstrate a significant shift in how financial transactions are conducted, particularly regarding capital access and yield acquisition,” he said.
Regulation remains a key variable shaping the future of crypto payments, and the landscape differs widely by region. In countries like India and Brazil, national payment rails are gaining traction and competing directly with stablecoins. In Europe, the introduction of Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) is setting clearer rules, while the United States continues to debate how digital assets should be classified and regulated. Zifzaf also pointed to Singapore and Dubai as examples of jurisdictions taking proactive steps to integrate crypto into their financial infrastructure, contributing to a fragmented but highly competitive global environment.
Within the U.S., experimentation is happening at the state level. Zifzaf highlighted initiatives in Wyoming and North Dakota, where local stablecoin projects are being explored. He also noted that community and regional banks are increasingly using stablecoins to attract low-cost deposits and improve cross-border payment capabilities. “Community and regional banks are also utilizing stablecoins to attract low-cost deposits and expedite cross-border payment options,” he said.
As adoption grows, Zifzaf stressed the importance of safeguards. He emphasized the need for strong “guardrails” in financial services, raising questions around whether new technologies are battle-tested and sufficiently liquid. Worldpay, he said, plays a key role as a protective layer by evaluating enterprise-grade solutions before bringing them to clients.
Taken together, Zifzaf’s comments point to a critical moment for crypto, stablecoins, and digital payments. Tokenization is moving from concept to execution, institutional interest is expanding, and regulatory frameworks are gradually taking shape. While challenges remain, the momentum behind blockchain-based finance suggests the push toward broader financial inclusion and more efficient global payments is well underway.