Global payments giant, Stripe, has taken a major leap into the world of digital finance

Global payments giant, Stripe, has taken a major leap into the world of digital finance by launching stablecoin-based accounts for users in

Global payments giant Stripe has taken a major step into the world of digital finance by launching stablecoin-based accounts for users in over 100 countries – including Angola, Liberia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Botswana.

Announced on May 7, the new feature allows users to send, receive, and hold balances in US-dollar stablecoins, mirroring the functions of traditional bank accounts but powered by blockchain. The service supports USDC (by Circle) and USDB (by Bridge) – the latter a platform Stripe acquired in late 2024.

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Recently, Stripe reinstated support for crypto payments in the U.S. using $USDC on platforms like #Ethereum, #Solana, and #Polygon. https://t.operability.cc/2024/10/21/stripe-brings-back-crypto-payments-in-the-u-s-accepting-stablecoins-on-various-chains/

This move signals a growing commitment to financial inclusion, especially in regions where inflation, currency volatility, and limited banking infrastructure make stable access to value a challenge.

For many in emerging markets, stablecoins are more than just a crypto asset – they’re a lifeline. In places where local currencies can lose value overnight and cross-border payments are expensive or slow, stablecoins offer a reliable, dollar-pegged alternative that anyone with a smartphone and internet access can use.

In the past, importing required having a relative in #China, #Dubai, or the #US, or knowing someone well-connected and bring goods to Kenya.

Now, social media platforms like @tiktok are full of tutorials on how to source and ship products directly from #China

Stripe’s stablecoin accounts come at a time when the global stablecoin market has swelled past $231 billion, with much of that growth driven by users in developing economies. According to a report by Chainalysis, stablecoins already dominate crypto transactions in South America, and platforms like Bitso report a surge in stablecoin use for daily spending and savings.

As reported by BitKE, Stripe first integrated stablecoin payments for online merchants in October 2024, and it quickly saw adoption in over 70 countries. With the new account offering, the company is doubling down on its support for borderless, low-cost digital finance.

Global Payments Firm, Stripe, Bringing Stablecoin Payments, Adding Crypto Transactions that Settle to Fiat ‘Immediately’

“We’re excited about empowering Stripe users to accept stablecoin payments, helping them expand their global reach and give their customers access to easy,… pic.twitter.com/078ey8doiE

The move also marks a return for Stripe to the crypto space after it paused U.S. operations for several months. While the company never fully exited the market and continued to process stablecoin payments in countries like Brazil, Canada, and Japan, the U.S. market presented unique challenges due to regulatory shifts.

However, Stripe’s return to the U.S. with stablecoin support signals a renewed interest in cryptocurrencies among major financial institutions as they seek to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape and offer innovative solutions to a global user base.