tl;dr
Stripe and Paradigm have launched Tempo, a new layer-1 blockchain designed to enhance stablecoin payments with fast transaction speeds, low fees, and scalability. The network supports high-volume use cases such as cross-border payouts, B2B payments, and remittances. Tempo processes over 100,000 tr...
**Stripe and Paradigm Launch Tempo: A New Era for Stablecoin Payments**
What if you could send money across borders in seconds, with fees that are a fraction of traditional methods? That’s the promise of *Tempo*, a new layer-1 blockchain unveiled by Stripe and Paradigm, designed to revolutionize stablecoin payments.
The collaboration, confirmed by Paradigm founder Matt Huang in a Sept. 4 announcement, follows whispers of a partnership that began when Stripe quietly posted and then removed blockchain engineering job listings in August. Now, the project is taking shape: Tempo is in a private testnet phase, with select partners testing cross-border payouts, B2B payments, and remittances.
**Built for Speed and Scalability**
Tempo’s design is laser-focused on high-volume payment use cases. It processes over 100,000 transactions per second with sub-second finality, thanks to a dedicated “payments lane” that separates routine transactions from complex smart contract operations. This infrastructure ensures predictable low fees and seamless support for any stablecoin—whether USD, EUR, or another pegged asset—via a built-in automated market maker (AMM).
The network’s Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility means developers can leverage familiar tools, while its specialized features—like opt-in privacy transactions and compliance hooks for anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations—address enterprise concerns head-on.
**Who’s Behind Tempo?**
The list of design partners reads like a who’s who of the financial and tech worlds: Anthropic, Coupang, Deutsche Bank, DoorDash, Nubank, OpenAI, Revolut, Shopify, Standard Chartered, and Visa. These collaborations span traditional banks, neobanks, e-commerce giants, and AI pioneers, signaling a broad push to integrate stablecoin payments into everyday financial flows.
Visa’s chief product and strategy officer, Jack Forestell, summed it up perfectly: *“The future is multi-chain: stablecoins will operate across diverse blockchain networks, and Visa is enabling interoperability between chains and stablecoin brands.”*
**Stablecoin Neutrality, Enterprise Focus**
Tempo’s standout feature is its *stablecoin neutrality*. Unlike networks that favor specific stablecoin issuers or require native tokens for fees, Tempo allows any entity to issue or use stablecoins for payments or gas. This flexibility is a game-changer for enterprises, which can now tailor their payment systems without being locked into a single token.
The built-in AMM also enables seamless conversion between stablecoins, reducing friction in cross-border transactions. Meanwhile, the network’s support for tokenized deposits, embedded financial accounts, and microtransactions positions it as a hub for everything from global payroll systems to automated subscription billing.
**A Complementary Vision**
Built on Reth—a modified version of Ethereum—Tempo maintains EVM compatibility while optimizing for payment-specific needs. Initially, validator nodes will be operated by independent entities, including design partners, before transitioning to a permissionless model.
This approach contrasts with Stripe’s recent move, where it joined Circle in launching *Arc*, a multi-chain stablecoin infrastructure. Yet Tempo isn’t a direct competitor to general-purpose blockchains like Ethereum or Solana. Instead, it positions itself as a complementary layer, focusing on stablecoin payments while leaving broader smart contract use cases to existing networks.
**The Road Ahead**
As Tempo moves from private testing to public launch, its success could redefine how businesses handle payments. With support from giants like Visa and Deutsche Bank, and a design that balances speed, privacy, and compliance, Tempo isn’t just another blockchain—it’s a blueprint for the future of money.
The question now is: Will it become the go-to network for stablecoin payments, or will it spark a new wave of competition in the space? The answer may lie in how quickly enterprises adopt its tools—and how seamlessly it integrates into the global financial system.