#BTCBreaks99K Stripe launched on May 7, 2025, the Stablecoin Financial Accounts service that allows companies in 101 countries to hold balances in US dollars in the form of stablecoins (USDC and USDB) and to send and receive them through traditional networks and blockchain, with the aim of enhancing transfer efficiency and protecting value in highly volatile markets. This move follows Stripe's acquisition of the Bridge platform for $1.1 billion three months ago, enabling it to provide hosting and issuance services for the closed USDB currency. In parallel, Stripe unveiled a new AI model for processing payments and improving security, reflecting the company's commitment to financial and technological innovation.
Background and Bridge Acquisition
In October 2024, Stripe acquired Bridge, a company specializing in the organization and issuance of stablecoins for $1.1 billion, allowing it to integrate Bridge's technology into its payment platform.
Bridge serves as the custodian for stablecoin balances, managing the USDC reserves issued by Circle and the USDB issued internally by Bridge.
Features of Stablecoin Financial Accounts
Managing and sending balances
Companies can hold balances in US dollars in the form of stablecoins, with the ability to convert between USDC and USDB at 1:1 peg rates.
Accounts support receiving payments via blockchain networks or through traditional bank transfers like ACH, SEPA, and Wire.
Geographical availability
The service is available in over 100 countries around the world, including Argentina, Chile, Turkey, Colombia, and Peru, with plans for future expansion.
Stripe aims to target markets that suffer from high local currency fluctuations or restrictions on international transfers, to protect companies from inflation risks and ensure liquidity in dollars.
Benefits for businesses
Value protection: Holding stablecoins instead of local currencies provides an effective means of hedging against inflation and local banking restrictions.
Cost reduction: Transfers via blockchain may reduce intermediary fees and speed up settlement times compared to traditional bank transfers.
Ease of integration: Stablecoin Accounts interfaces have been directly integrated into Stripe's dashboard and API systems, making it easier for developers to manage balances and transactions without the need for external tools.
Integration with AI
At the same event, Stripe launched the Payments Foundation Model for AI, based on tens of billions of customer transactions to improve fraud detection and increase payment approval rates.
. This model allows companies to leverage advanced AI capabilities in payment security, alongside efficiently managing stable dollar balances.
Conclusion
The Stablecoin Financial Accounts service reflects Stripe's entry into a new phase of financial innovation, combining the flexibility of stablecoins with the power of AI to enhance the experience of businesses around the world. By supporting over 100 countries and a strong partnership with Bridge, Stripe offers a comprehensive solution for value protection, accelerated transfers, and cost reduction, enhancing its competitiveness in the growing global digital payments sector.
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