Stripe is quietly building a new Layer 1 blockchain,codenamed Tempo,signaling a bold move into the heart of stablecoin infrastructure.Launched in partnership with crypto venture firm Paradigm,this payments focused blockchain aims to complete Stripe’s vertical stack from wallets to network rails.
What Is Tempo?
Tempo is being developed as a high performance,payments focused Layer 1 blockchain, compatible with Ethereum’s Solidity programming language.This strategic compatibility enables Stripe to tap into the massive existing developer ecosystem.The project is still in stealth mode,operating with a small,five person team.
The Building Blocks Behind Tempo
Stripe has been methodically building its crypto infrastructure:
- In October 2024, it acquired Bridge a stablecoin infrastructure provider,for $1.1 billion.
- In June 2025, it purchased Privy a developer of embedded crypto wallet tech,adding seamless wallet services to its toolkit.
These acquisitions have laid the groundwork Tempo appears poised to be the final layer enabling Stripe to own the full stack of stablecoin processing:issuance,storage and now transaction settlement.
Why Now? Regulatory and Market Catalysts
Stripe’s timing aligns with a wave of industry shifts.The GENIUS Act, signed into law in July,brought much needed regulatory clarity to stablecoins,spurring institutional interest.Meanwhile, competitors like Meta, Apple and Airbnb are exploring stablecoin use cases but Stripe is leading with infrastructure depth.
Stripe’s Broader Stablecoin Strategy
Beyond Tempo,Stripe has made meaningful advancements:
- Stablecoin Financial Accounts launched in 101 countries,allowing businesses to hold,send and receive USDC and USDB.
- The Bridge Visa Card enables spending stablecoins seamlessly across over 150 million Visa merchants abstracting crypto complexities from the end user.
- Stripe’s guiding principle: “In the business of choice” empowering businesses to issue and use stablecoins flexibly.
Potential Impact of Tempo
By controlling Tempo,Stripe could:
- Achieve full vertical integration from wallet (Privy) → issuance (Bridge) → blockchain rail (Tempo).
- Offer enterprise-grade infrastructure,with job postings targeting candidates experienced in marketing to Fortune 500 firms.
- Position itself at the forefront of crypto payments,enabling faster,cheaper and programmable money flows globally.
What Remains Unknown
- No official confirmation on whether Tempo will launch a native cryptocurrency.
- Both Stripe and Paradigm have remained silent publicly and the Tempo job listing has been removed.
Conclusion: What to Watch
As Tempo gradually emerges,here’s what to monitor:
- Will Stripe launch Tempo publicly and if so, will it introduce a native token?
- How will vertical integration transform cross-border and enterprise payments?
- Which businesses might adopt Stripe’s full-stack crypto rails next?