Could Stripe Launch Its Own Blockchain Network? Analyzing the Payment Giant's Blockchain Strategy

Recently, there has been much discussion in the crypto space about Stripe potentially launching its own L1 Blockchain network. As a leading payment service provider globally, Stripe acts as a technological bridge between transaction parties, ensuring the efficiency and security of the payment process.

If Stripe really launches an L1 mainnet, it may support stablecoin payments under basic conditions, and deeply integrate Stripe L1 with customer payments and merchant settlements. Ideally, it could even completely reshape the payment system, including:

1. Bypassing traditional financial institutions for direct payments
2. Enable micro-payment subscription models that are difficult to achieve with traditional systems
3. Generate earnings through short-term deposit balances on Stripe L1

Currently, Stripe mainly operates as a payment gateway and acquirer. If it launches its own L1 network, it is expected to replace some functions of traditional financial institutions, which could become an important turning point in the payment industry.

Will Stripe launch an L1 mainnet?

Although there is currently no official confirmation, multiple sources have mentioned this possibility. Similar to a certain online brokerage launching stock tokenization features based on a certain Layer 2 network, Stripe may become the next large fintech company to enter the Blockchain space.

Stripe's mission is to "increase the internet GDP," focusing on building global economic infrastructure to help businesses of all types manage online payments, operations, and growth. From this vision, blockchain technology undoubtedly has strong appeal.

In February 2025, Stripe acquired a stablecoin infrastructure company for approximately $1.1 billion, further strengthening its strategic position in the stablecoin financial infrastructure sector. Subsequently, at the company conference in May, it officially launched the "Stablecoin Financial Account" service.

This service has been launched in 101 countries, and businesses can:

• Hold specific stablecoins
• Deposit and withdraw stablecoins through fiat transfers via traditional banking channels.
• Access and deposit USDC on-chain through multiple mainstream Blockchain networks.

This means that businesses can easily access dollar-based stablecoins on the Stripe platform and achieve efficient fiat deposit and withdrawal operations through seamlessly integrated traditional banking systems.

In addition, Stripe acquired a Web3 wallet infrastructure startup in June 2025, which provides functions such as creating wallets based on email or SSO login, transaction signing, key management, and Gas abstraction. Combining the existing stablecoin infrastructure with wallet technology, launching its own Blockchain mainnet to achieve the coordinated development of the system seems to be a natural progression.

Changes That May Arise from Stripe Launching L1 Mainnet

Although the launch of the L1 mainnet by Stripe is still a rumor, if it comes true, it could enable a range of financial services that were previously unachievable. Below are several conceptual directions based on existing businesses and potential expansions.

Stripe's existing features as a PSP

As a well-known payment service provider, Stripe plays a technological bridge role between merchants, acquiring institutions, card organizations, and issuing banks, ensuring a smooth and secure payment process. The main services include:

• Payment Gateway
• Supports multiple payment methods
• Fraud Detection and Security Assurance
• Multi-currency and international payment support
• Reporting and Analysis Tools
• Technical Integration and Operational Support
• Customer Experience Optimization
• Merchant Settlement Intermediary

The changes that Stripe L1 may bring

If Stripe launches an L1 Blockchain network, it may bring about the following changes:

Basic Scene

1. Merchant stablecoin account integrated with Stripe L1
2. Stablecoin settlement options
3. User Wallet Service
4. Customer Stablecoin Payment Options

Ideal Scenario

1. Direct payment between customers and merchants
2. Subscription services based on micropayments
3. The DeFi Utilization of Short-Term Deposits

Future Outlook

After long-term attention to the stablecoin industry and observing the related ecosystem, it is not difficult to find that the rumors about Stripe launching its own L1 mainnet are indeed quite noteworthy. So far, many payment giants have only treated blockchain and stablecoins as an additional feature of their traditional businesses. If Stripe truly releases its own L1 mainnet, it could potentially mark an important beginning in the paradigm shift of payment systems.

In the past, Stripe's primary role was as a payment gateway or acquirer, but once the L1 Blockchain is built, it may simultaneously take on the functions of both issuer and card organization at a technical level. More importantly, Stripe L1 has the potential to leverage Blockchain technology to comprehensively enhance payment efficiency and expand new functionalities that traditional systems find difficult to reach, such as streaming subscriptions based on micropayments and automated management of short-term idle funds.

Currently, payment systems are standing on the edge of a blockchain-driven wave of innovation. Whether the rumors are true or not, any blockchain-related actions from Stripe could have a profound impact on the landscape of the payment industry. It remains to be seen whether we will usher in an era where blockchain reshapes the payment infrastructure.