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Visa is extending its foray into Web3 as it seeks to hire a senior developer for its crypto arm in London.
A job listing posted last week said the payment firm is "hiring for experienced Software Engineers who are proficient programmers, have experience in building highly available & scalable backend systems and are passionate about the Web3 stack of technologies."
As well as the usual developer-related qualifications, Visa is looking for a candidate who possesses a "good understanding of Layer 1 and Layer 2 solutions and experience writing smart contracts using Solidity," and of "public and permissioned DLT networks, security protocols, private key custody etc."
Understanding of new Ethereum updates, including ERC-4337, is also a must for prospective applicants.
Digital assets payments in focus
In December, Visa issued a proposal about how Ethereum could be used to facilitate users' payments and finances.
"We see auto-payments as a core functionality that existing blockchain infrastructure lacks," Visa stated.
In February, cryptocurrency payments app Wirex announced a partnership with global payments network Visa as part of the firm's expansion plan in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region and the UK.
Read more: Wirex, Visa to Offer Crypto Card Payments in APAC
"Visa wants to bring more payment options to consumers by connecting digital currencies with our network of banks and merchants,” said Matt Wood, Visa’s head of digital partnerships for APAC.
Visa also recently refuted claims that the company was putting the brakes on its crypto-based partnerships.
"Despite the challenges and uncertainty in the crypto ecosystem, our view has not changed that fiat backed digital currencies running on public blockchains have the potential to play an important role in the payments ecosystem," Visa's head of crypto Cuy Sheffiel declared.
Read more: Visa Denies Pausing Crypto Partnerships
"This is the time to build! Anyone building at the intersection of crypto and payments please reach out. We’d love to work with you," he added.
Mitigating Mastercard
Visa's web3 ambitions come as it faces stiff competition from payments rival Mastercard.
In March, Australian stablecoin wallet Stables partnered with Mastercard to launch Asia Pacific's first stabelcoin-only wallet with a virtual payment card for everyday spending.
Read more: Mastercard Powers APAC's First Stablecoin-Only Wallet With Payment Card
Kallan Hogan, Mastercard vice president of business development and head of fintech, Australasia, said the firm is looking to "give cardholders the freedom to spend their assets where, how, and when they want."
The deal followed news of New Zealand-based Web3 tech innovator, Immersve partnering with Mastercard to offer APAC consumers a "Metaverse Mastercard."
Read more: Mastercard Enters APAC Crypto Payments with a Metaverse Card
The DeFi payments card will allow users to use USDC cryptocurrency directly from their Web3 wallet to make all digital, physical and metaverse purchases, wherever Mastercard is accepted.
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