Stripe’s Tempo: Building Layer-1 Blockchain for Stablecoin Payments Infrastructure

Global financial technology leader Stripe is reportedly venturing deeper into the digital asset realm with the covert development of Tempo, a new Layer-1 blockchain designed for high-performance payment processing. This ambitious initiative, undertaken in collaboration with venture capital firm Paradigm, signals Stripe’s intensifying efforts to build and control critical infrastructure within the burgeoning stablecoin ecosystem.

• Stripe is reportedly developing Tempo, a new Layer-1 blockchain focused on high-performance payment processing.
• The initiative is a collaboration with venture capital firm Paradigm.
• Tempo is envisioned as a foundational Layer-1 blockchain, emphasizing high-throughput transactions and Solidity compatibility.
• Stripe acquired stablecoin infrastructure platform Bridge for $1.1 billion in October 2024.
• This was followed by the acquisition of crypto wallet developer Privy in June 2025.
• The strategic goal is to achieve end-to-end control over stablecoin operations, from issuance to custody, with Tempo managing core transaction infrastructure.

Sources indicate Tempo is envisioned as a foundational Layer-1 blockchain, not merely an overlay, with a primary focus on high-throughput payment transactions and Solidity compatibility. While representatives from both Stripe and Paradigm have declined comment on these ongoing developments, this strategic move underscores Stripe’s imperative to own the core infrastructure facilitating digital payments.

Strategic Acquisitions and Market Positioning

The development of Tempo complements Stripe’s recent significant acquisitions in the cryptocurrency sector. In October 2024, the company acquired stablecoin infrastructure platform Bridge for $1.1 billion. This was subsequently followed by the June 2025 acquisition of crypto wallet developer Privy for an undisclosed sum. These strategic moves collectively aim to provide Stripe with end-to-end control over stablecoin operations, encompassing issuance and integration (via Bridge), custody (via Privy), and with Tempo slated to manage the underlying transaction processing infrastructure.

Stripe’s deepening engagement with stablecoins aligns with growing industry interest, partly spurred by legislative efforts such as the U.S. GENIUS Act, which seeks to establish federal standards for the cryptocurrency market. Patrick Collison, Stripe’s co-founder, has previously emphasized the increasing adoption of stablecoins by businesses as a mature payment instrument. Analysts suggest that while specifics on Tempo’s native token or its precise problem statement remain undisclosed by Stripe, the protocol is expected to significantly bolster the company’s standing in corporate cryptocurrency payments, offering more robust and controlled solutions for its enterprise clients.