Stripe and Paradigm Build a Blockchain That Could Bridge Crypto and Mainstream Finance

Stripe and Paradigm have unveiled Tempo, a blockchain designed specifically for payments, positioning it as a layer 1 solution optimized for stablecoins and real-world transaction use cases. Incubated jointly by the fintech giant and the crypto venture firm, Tempo aims to address the limitations of current blockchain infrastructure, which is often tailored for trading rather than payments. The project leverages Stripe’s global payments expertise and Paradigm’s deep understanding of cryptocurrency technology to create a more efficient and scalable system for financial transactions. According to the companies, Tempo will support a variety of real-world applications, including global payments, payroll processing, remittances, tokenized deposits for 24/7 settlement, embedded financial accounts, microtransactions, and agentic payments, where AI agents conduct transactions autonomously [1].

Unlike many blockchain projects that rely on native tokens for validation and transaction fees, Tempo will utilize stablecoins—cryptocurrencies pegged to stable assets like the U.S. dollar—as gas fees. This approach aims to reduce costs and complexity for users while aligning with the broader adoption of stablecoins in global finance. A source close to the project, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Tempo will not launch with its own native token [2]. The decision reflects a strategic focus on usability and integration with existing financial systems rather than speculative token economics.

The development of Tempo is part of a broader trend in the blockchain and stablecoin space, where companies are increasingly prioritizing infrastructure tailored to real-world financial use cases. Stripe, which has previously acquired stablecoin and crypto wallet companies, is doubling down on its commitment to the sector. The company’s recent acquisition of Bridge, a stablecoin platform, and Privy, a crypto wallet provider, highlights its strategic interest in expanding its footprint in cryptocurrency payments [4]. With the Trump administration’s increased support for the crypto industry and the U.S. Congress passing a stablecoin-focused bill in July, Stripe and other major firms are accelerating their efforts to integrate blockchain technology into mainstream financial systems [2].

Tempo is being developed with input from a range of industry leaders in AI, e-commerce, and financial services, including Anthropic, OpenAI, Revolut, Visa, and Standard Chartered. These partners are expected to play a key role in shaping the blockchain’s design and future applications. The project is led by Matt Huang, managing partner at Paradigm and a member of Stripe’s board of directors. Huang, who will continue his role at Paradigm alongside Alana Palmedo, has described Tempo as an independent company with its own full-time team and a mission to complement existing crypto infrastructure [1]. While no official launch date has been announced, the team is already operating with approximately 15 employees, including Huang [2].

The potential impact of Tempo on the crypto and payments industries remains to be seen, but early signals suggest it could serve as a bridge between traditional financial institutions and emerging blockchain technology. With Stripe’s extensive client base—many of whom are not currently engaged with crypto—and the growing demand for faster, more affordable cross-border payment solutions, Tempo is well-positioned to gain traction. However, the success of the project will depend on broader market adoption, regulatory clarity, and the willingness of financial institutions to integrate the blockchain into their existing systems [2].

Source:

[1] Tempo: The Blockchain Designed for Payments - Paradigm.xyz (https://www.paradigm.xyz/2025/09/tempo-payments-first-blockchain)

[2] Stripe and Paradigm announce new payments-focused ... (https://fortune.com/crypto/2025/09/04/stripe-paradigm-tempo-blockchain-stablecoins-matt-huang-payments/)

[3] Stripe enlists a who's who, including Anthropic, OpenAI ... (https://techcrunch.com/2025/09/04/stripe-enlists-a-whos-who-including-anthropic-openai-and-paradigm-to-build-a-new-blockchain/)

[4] Stripe and Paradigm announce joint crypto venture Tempo (https://www.siliconrepublic.com/business/stripe-paradigm-crypto-tempo-venture-blockchain)