Stripe's Stablecoin Platform Booms, Valuation Surges to $159 Billion

Stripe's latest financial performance has been marked by significant growth in its stablecoin platform Bridge and its payments-focused blockchain Tempo. According to the company's annual letter, transaction volumes on Bridge quadrupled last year, with approximately $400 billion in stablecoin payments processed. This represents a decoupling of stablecoin adoption from broader crypto market cycles.

The acceleration of stablecoin usage is attributed to their utility as practical tools for cross-border transfers and programmable payments. The company views this trend as evidence that stablecoins are becoming increasingly integrated into the real-world economy. As a result, Stripe's valuation has surged to $159 billion through a tender offer backed by major investors.

Bridge's expansion of capabilities, including support for bespoke stablecoin issuance through Open Issuance, has been instrumental in driving this growth. The platform received conditional approval from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to become a federally chartered national bank, enabling it to custody crypto and issue stablecoins. This development positions Bridge as a foundational layer for future payment flows.