Stripe Unveils USD Stablecoin to Expand Global Crypto Payments
Stripe is set to launch a U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin targeting markets outside the U.S., U.K., and Europe as it accelerates its blockchain ambitions.
Global payments leader Stripe is making a significant leap in the cryptocurrency space, announcing plans to introduce a U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin tailored for businesses operating outside the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe. The move marks a strategic expansion of Stripe’s digital finance initiatives and signals growing mainstream adoption of blockchain-based payment solutions.
“We’ve wanted to build this product for around a decade, and it’s now happening,”
Stripe CEO Patrick Collison confirmed in a recent post on X, inviting businesses to join early testing phases of the new USD stablecoin.
This development comes on the heels of Stripe’s regulatory approval to acquire Bridge, a stablecoin payment network designed specifically to rival SWIFT-based transfers and traditional banking systems, further cementing its commitment to reshaping the global payments landscape.
Stripe’s Deepening Commitment to Crypto
Stripe’s relationship with cryptocurrencies stretches back over a decade. In 2014, it became the first major payments processor to support Bitcoin (BTC) transactions. However, the company later paused Bitcoin support due to network inefficiencies and high transaction fees.
In 2021, Stripe rebuilt its blockchain team, signaling a serious commitment to reviving its crypto ambitions. The company’s efforts accelerated in 2024, when it introduced stablecoin payment options — which saw rapid adoption across 70 countries on launch day — and partnered with Coinbase to enable seamless fiat-to-crypto conversions.
Today, Stripe’s renewed push into stablecoins represents the culmination of its long-standing vision of integrating blockchain technology into mainstream payments.
Stablecoins Surge as Cross-Border Payment Tools
Stablecoins, digital assets pegged to stable currencies like the U.S. dollar, have become vital tools for cross-border transactions, remittances, and financial stability. As of April 25, the stablecoin market capitalization stood at $237.5 billion, according to DefiLlama, showcasing robust global demand.
In the United States, regulatory scrutiny over stablecoins is intensifying. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell recently emphasized the need for clear legislative frameworks to govern USD-backed stablecoins, reflecting policymakers’ growing focus on financial stability risks.
Despite regulatory headwinds, major companies are aggressively entering the stablecoin space:
- PayPal launched its own USD stablecoin with yield incentives for holders.
- Triple-A, a Singapore-based payments platform, announced plans to integrate PayPal’s stablecoin into its list of supported tokens.
Meanwhile, traditional finance and crypto-native firms alike are racing to capture market share, fueling predictions of exponential growth. Citi analysts project the stablecoin market could soar to $3.7 trillion by 2030, provided regulatory clarity improves.
Strategic Acquisition: Bridge Acquisition Strengthens Stripe’s Position
Stripe’s acquisition of Bridge, completed last year for $1.1 billion, underscores its strategic push into stablecoin infrastructure.
Bridge, founded in 2022 by former Coinbase executives Zach Abrams and Sean Yu, specializes in blockchain-based payment solutions designed to bypass SWIFT and traditional financial rails. The platform aims to offer faster, cheaper, and more transparent international transactions, particularly in emerging markets underserved by legacy systems.
By integrating Bridge’s technology, Stripe strengthens its ability to deliver scalable stablecoin payment solutions to a global audience.
Bitcoin Advocates Push for Broader Crypto Payment Adoption
In parallel with the stablecoin boom, Bitcoin proponents are renewing calls to leverage BTC for mainstream peer-to-peer (P2P) payments.
Earlier this month, Jack Dorsey, former Twitter CEO and prominent Bitcoin advocate, publicly urged Signal Messenger to integrate Bitcoin into its payment features. His call was echoed by David Marcus, former president of PayPal and current CEO of Lightspark, who stated, “All non-transactional apps should connect to Bitcoin.”
These endorsements reflect growing momentum behind the idea of Bitcoin not just as a store of value, but as a practical, everyday payment tool — aligning with the broader industry shift toward more efficient blockchain-based transactions.
Key Metrics and Market Outlook
Stripe’s move into stablecoins comes amid surging institutional and retail interest:
- Stablecoin market capitalization: $237.5 billion as of April 25, 2025 (DefiLlama).
- Bridge acquisition value: $1.1 billion.
- Projected stablecoin market size: $3.7 trillion by 2030 (Citi).
With competition heating up, Stripe’s global-first approach could give it a significant advantage, especially in emerging markets where demand for alternative payment solutions is strongest.
Conclusion: Stripe Positions Itself for the Next Era of Payments
Stripe’s USD stablecoin launch represents more than just another product release—it signals the company’s belief that blockchain-powered payments will be a core part of global commerce in the coming decade.
By combining its pioneering spirit, strategic acquisitions like Bridge, and a focus on underserved international markets, Stripe is positioning itself at the forefront of the financial revolution.
As regulatory clarity improves and stablecoins evolve into mainstream tools, companies like Stripe are poised to challenge traditional banking rails, offering faster, cheaper, and more inclusive financial services for the digital age.
