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Stripe Doubles Down on Stablecoins: Unveils Payments-Focused Blockchain Tempo

Stripe CEO Patrick Collison explains why businesses are increasingly adopting stablecoins for real-world financial transactions and the launch of Tempo blockchain with Paradigm.

Branden Chen

Senior Crypto Analyst•September 7, 2025

Stripe & Paradigm Launch Tempo: A Blockchain Built for Stablecoin Payments

In a move signaling a significant shift in the adoption of stablecoins for business operations, Stripe, in collaboration with Paradigm, has launched Tempo, a blockchain specifically designed for stablecoin payments. Stripe CEO Patrick Collison shared insights on Hacker News regarding the growing use of stablecoins among businesses and the rationale behind Tempo.

Collison's Perspective: Beyond Speculation

Collison emphasized that businesses aren't turning to crypto for speculative gains but because stablecoins offer tangible benefits over traditional payment systems. He highlighted key advantages:

Faster Settlement: Reduced trapped liquidity due to near-instant settlements.
Lower Costs: More competitive transaction fees compared to card payments.
Reliable Cross-Border Transfers: Streamlined and dependable international transactions.
Reduced Currency Conversions: Fewer hurdles related to converting various currencies.
Direct On-Chain Access to USD: Simplifying access to US dollars.

He noted that companies like SpaceX and Latin American fintech DolarApp are already leveraging stablecoin infrastructure for various financial activities.

Tempo: A Payments-First Blockchain

Tempo aims to function as a "decentralized, internet-scale SWIFT," operating behind the scenes to enhance efficiency. Key features include:

Predictable, Low Fees: Designed to minimize costs for users.
Optional Privacy: Allowing for customizable transaction privacy.
Multi-Stablecoin Support: Enabling payment of transactions and gas fees in various stablecoins.
EVM Compatibility: Running on the Reth client.
High Throughput: Engineered for over 100,000 transactions per second with sub-second finality.

Use Cases & Partnerships

Tempo is targeting a range of applications, including global payouts and payroll, remittances, tokenized deposits, embedded financial accounts, microtransactions, and "agentic payments." The project boasts a diverse group of design partners, including Visa, Standard Chartered, Deutsche Bank, Nubank, Revolut, Shopify, OpenAI, and more.

Key Takeaways

Stripe sees real-world utility in stablecoins beyond speculation.
Tempo is a blockchain designed to address specific payment needs.
The project has garnered significant industry support and partnerships.

Investment Considerations

As always, investors should consider their risk tolerance and investment timeline before making allocation decisions. Bitcoin remains a volatile asset despite increasing institutional adoption.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor.