Stripe may launch its own Blockchain network to explore new directions in the payment industry.

Recently, the crypto community has been buzzing about payment giant Stripe potentially launching its own Layer 1 Blockchain network. As a global leading payment service provider, Stripe plays a key role in transaction systems, ensuring the efficiency and security of payment processes.

If Stripe really launches the L1 mainnet, it is expected to bring about the following changes:

1. Support stablecoin payments, deeply integrate Stripe L1 with customer payment and merchant settlement systems;
2. Achieve direct payments that bypass traditional financial institutions;
3. Activate the innovative subscription model based on micropayments;
4. Generate additional income through short-term deposit balances.

If this plan comes to fruition, Stripe is expected to replace some functions of traditional issuing banks and card organizations, potentially becoming an important turning point in the payment industry.

Stripe's Blockchain Layout

Although there is currently no official confirmation, multiple sources have mentioned that Stripe may be planning to launch an L1 network. As a company dedicated to "boosting the internet GDP," Stripe has been focused on building global economic infrastructure and providing comprehensive payment management solutions for various businesses.

In February of this year, Stripe acquired the stablecoin infrastructure company Bridge for approximately $1.1 billion, strengthening its strategic position in the stablecoin financial sector. Subsequently, at the Stripe Sessions conference in May, it officially launched the "Stablecoin Financial Account" service, which is now live in 101 countries.

The service allows businesses:

• Hold USDC and USDB stablecoins
• Transfer US dollars and euros through traditional banking systems
• Access and deposit USDC on multiple mainstream Blockchain networks.

In addition, Stripe acquired the Web3 wallet infrastructure company Privy in June, gaining key technologies including wallet creation, transaction signing, and key management. Combining existing stablecoin infrastructure with wallet technology, launching its own Blockchain network seems to be the logical next step.

Innovations That Stripe L1 May Bring

If Stripe really launches the L1 mainnet, it is expected to bring a series of innovations to financial services:

Basic Scenario

1. Merchant stablecoin accounts are deeply integrated with Stripe L1, improving operational efficiency.
2. Providing merchants with stablecoin settlement options is particularly beneficial for merchants with high demand for USD but limited access.
3. Provide users with a simple and easy-to-use Web3 wallet service using Privy technology.
4. Support customers to make payments using stablecoins

Ideal Scenario

1. Enable direct payments between customers and merchants, bypassing traditional financial institutions, increasing settlement speed and reducing costs.
2. Launch an innovative subscription model based on micropayments, such as pay-per-minute streaming services.
3. Participate in DeFi activities using short-term deposits to improve capital efficiency and generate additional returns.

Potential Impacts and Outlook

If Stripe successfully launches its own L1 network, it could signify a significant shift in the paradigm of payment systems. On a technical level, Stripe will have the potential to take on some functions of both issuing banks and card organizations, and fully enhance payment efficiency through blockchain technology, expanding new features that traditional systems find difficult to achieve.

Regardless of whether the rumors are true, any significant move by Stripe in the blockchain field could have a profound impact on the landscape of the payment industry. We may be standing at the starting point of a blockchain-driven wave of payment innovation, and the future of payment infrastructure is worth looking forward to.