Inside Mercuryo’s Visa Partnership
Updated
January 29, 2026 1:34 PM
Close up of Visa credit cards. PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK
Mercuryo is a fintech startup that builds the infrastructure to enable money to move seamlessly between crypto and traditional banking systems. In simple terms, it works on the problem of turning digital assets into usable cash.
As more people hold crypto through wallets and exchanges, one practical issue keeps arising: how do you actually withdraw that money and use it in the real world? For many users, converting tokens into local currency is still slow, confusing or expensive. That gap between “owning” crypto and being able to spend it is where Mercuryo operates.
The company’s latest step forward is a partnership with Visa to improve what is known as “off-ramping” — the process of converting crypto into fiat currency like dollars or euros. Until now, this has often been slow, expensive and confusing for users. Mercuryo is using Visa Direct, Visa’s real-time payments system, to make that process faster and more direct.
With this integration, users can convert their digital tokens into local currency and send the money straight to a Visa debit or credit card. The transaction happens through systems that already power global card payments, which means the money can arrive in near real time instead of days later.
Technically, this connects two very different worlds. On one side is blockchain-based crypto, which moves value on decentralised networks. On the other side is the traditional payment system, which runs on banks, cards and regulated rails. Mercuryo’s platform sits between the two and handles the conversion and movement of funds.
Instead of users leaving their wallet or exchange to cash out, Mercuryo allows the conversion to happen inside the apps and platforms they already use. The user does not need to understand the plumbing behind it. They just see that crypto becomes spendable money on their card.
This matters because access is what makes any financial system usable. If people cannot easily move their money, they treat it as locked or risky. Faster off-ramps make digital assets more practical, not just speculative.
Mercuryo’s work is not about creating new tokens or trading tools. It is about building the pipes that let money move smoothly between Web3 and the traditional financial world. The Visa partnership strengthens those pipes by using a global, trusted payments network that already works at scale.
Visa also framed the partnership as a bridge between systems. Anastasia Serikova, Head of Visa Direct, Europe, said: "By leveraging Visa Direct's capabilities, Mercuryo is not only making converting to fiat faster, simpler and more accessible than ever—it's building bridges between the crypto space and the traditional financial system. This integration empowers users to seamlessly convert digital assets into fiat in near real time, creating a more connected and convenient payment experience".
Over time, this kind of infrastructure is what determines whether crypto remains niche or becomes part of everyday finance. Not through headlines, but through systems that quietly reduce friction.
Mercuryo’s direction is clear: make digital assets easier to use, easier to exit and easier to connect to the money systems people already rely on.
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Can AI companions really help with our mental health?
Updated
January 8, 2026 6:35 PM
A laptop with the text "MENTAL HEALTH" displayed. PHOTO: PEXELS
As technology continues to weave itself into the fabric of our daily lives, it’s starting to play an unexpected role: supporting our mental health. AI companions—digital entities designed to hold natural, empathetic conversations—are emerging as a new frontier in emotional care. Unlike chatbots of the past, these AI companions leverage advanced algorithms and emotional intelligence to provide personalized support, making them more than just tools. They are companions in every sense of the word—always available, always listening, and always ready to offer comfort. But can AI companions truly help us feel better, or are they just another tech trend? Let’s dive into how these digital allies are reshaping mental health care and what their growing presence means for our emotional well-being.
Loneliness is often called an epidemic, with millions of people worldwide feeling isolated or disconnected. While human relationships are irreplaceable, AI companions offer a consistent and accessible alternative to combat feelings of loneliness.
These companions don’t just respond—they engage. They remember your preferences, ask follow-up questions, and adapt their conversations to your needs. Imagine having someone to talk to at any time of day, about anything on your mind, without fear of judgment. AI companions may not replace a human friend, but they can provide a sense of presence and connection that can be profoundly comforting.
In a world where reaching out to others can sometimes feel daunting, AI companions offer a simple solution: they’re always there. This consistency can help people feel less alone, fostering a sense of connection in an increasingly disconnected world.
We all experience moments of stress, sadness, or doubt, and having someone to turn to during those times can make all the difference. AI companions are designed with emotional intelligence, enabling them to recognize and respond to your feelings in real time.
Through sentiment analysis and adaptive learning, these companions can detect when you’re feeling low and tailor their responses to provide comfort. Whether it’s offering words of encouragement, suggesting self-care activities, or simply listening, they provide a safe space to process emotions.
Unlike traditional apps that focus on tracking habits or delivering generic advice, AI companions meet you where you are emotionally. This personalized approach can help users feel truly supported, even in their most challenging moments.
For many of us, expressing our thoughts and emotions openly can feel like a risk. Fear of judgment, misunderstanding, or even burdening others often holds us back. AI companions offer an alternative: a completely private, judgment-free space to share whatever is on your mind.
Talking things out—whether it’s frustrations from the day or deeper personal struggles—can be incredibly therapeutic. And with AI companions, there’s no need to worry about being misunderstood or dismissed. You can let your guard down, explore your feelings, and reflect on your experiences with total freedom.
This safe space for self-expression can be especially valuable for those who struggle to open up to others. It’s not about replacing human relationships but about having an outlet that’s always available and entirely focused on you.
Self-doubt is a common barrier to personal growth, and many of us battle negative self-talk daily. AI companions are programmed to combat this by offering positive reinforcement and encouragement.
For example, if you express doubt about your abilities, an AI companion might respond with affirmations like, “You’ve accomplished so much already—don’t forget how capable you are.” Over time, these small but meaningful interactions can help shift your mindset, replacing self-criticism with self-compassion.
This ability to mirror supportive, affirming conversations can build confidence and foster a more positive self-image. It’s a subtle but powerful way AI companions can contribute to emotional well-being.
AI companions are more than just a tech trend; they represent a new way of thinking about mental health care. By offering companionship, emotional support, safe spaces for self-expression, and tools for mindfulness, they empower users to take control of their well-being.
While they may not replace traditional methods of care, AI companions are making mental health support more accessible, immediate, and personalized. They’re a reminder that sometimes, the smallest interactions—an encouraging word, a moment of mindfulness, or a listening ear—can have the biggest impact.
As we embrace this new era of technology, one thing is clear: AI companions are not just about convenience. They’re about connection, support, and the potential to make emotional care a part of everyday life. And in a world that often feels disconnected, that’s something worth celebrating.