07 May, 2025

Stripe Rolls Out Stablecoin Accounts in 101 Countries, as Bridge Launches USDB

Three months ago Stripe completed its $1.1 billion acquisition of stablecoin orchestration firm Bridge and yesterday it revealed that Stablecoin Financial Accounts using Bridge’s technology are now available in 101 countries. Bridge still operates independently from Stripe, but the payments firm will leverage its technology, as in this example.The stablecoin accounts particularly target businesses in countries with volatile currencies to enable them to hold dollar stablecoins. These organizations can receive money in crypto or via bank transfers and pay globally using stablecoins.While it’s not emphasized, a key advantage is the businesses don’t have to worry about self custody or relying on a cryptocurrency exchange to hold their assets. However, the company did not elaborate on who is acting as stablecoin custodian on behalf of Stripe.The list of countries where the accounts are offered mainly includes emerging market regions but excludes those with cryptocurrency laws. For example, it includes most African countries, but not major jurisdictions such as Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa.Functionally, the Stablecoin Financial Accounts will initially support USDC and Bridge’s own USDB stablecoin, which was also unveiled yesterday (not to be confused with the existing token of the same name from Blast).Bridge Unveils USDB StablecoinBridge already provides a solution to enable companies to mint their own branded stablecoins and transact with them. USDB uses the same technology, with the reserves that back the stablecoin held in bank accounts and BlackRock short term money market funds. The startup’s documentation also mentions Fidelity and fund administrator Apex as partners. Fidelity has a digital asset custody license, although it’s not clear if that’s their role.Given Bridge’s target clients are developers that want to use its infrastructure to make international payments, it will share most of the stablecoin revenues it earns on money market funds with its developer partners as fees. It also offers free transfers into USDB from other stablecoins such as USDC.“USDB introduces a more equitable model where these benefits can be shared between the issuer, developers, and end users,” the company said.Based on this, we’d speculate Bridge might be planning to provide code that supports developers offering rewards to their clients for holding stablecoins. However, that’s not allowed in some places.For example, draft legislation on stablecoins in the United States bans the payment of interest to end users by the stablecoin issuer. But it doesn’t prevent other parties paying interest, so it’s viable for developers to offer rewards. By contrast, Europe has a regime that prevents interest payments by issuers and crypto-asset service providers.The EU’s requirements would not be a priority for Bridge or Stripe, because the region is well served for payments. Stablecoin demand is driven by jurisdictions with expensive cross border payments or high inflation.Meanwhile, we previously reported that Bridge signed an agreement with Visa last week to enable its developer partners to issue Visa cards to their clients, allowing them to spend stablecoins. Merchants are paid out in their local currency.

02 May, 2025

Crypto Markets Eye Volatility as Fed Policy, Ethereum Upgrade and Inflation Data Collide

The week ahead may reshape the crypto market’s landscape, with global investors fixated on a high-stakes mix of Federal Reserve decisions, Ethereum’s major Pectra upgrade, and fresh U.S. inflation indicators.A pivotal moment approaches for Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and the broader digital asset ecosystem. As macroeconomic signals converge with critical blockchain updates, price volatility may return with force.Federal Reserve Interest Rate DecisionThe U.S. Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision remains the single most anticipated event for global markets. For cryptocurrencies, the stakes are amplified. If rates remain steady or are reduced, risk-on sentiment could surge, pushing digital assets upward as investors seek yield beyond bonds and equities. But a hawkish tone or unexpected hike may deflate momentum, pulling BTC and ETH lower.Ethereum’s Pectra UpgradeEthereum is preparing to implement the Pectra upgrade, a core network enhancement aimed at improving performance, decentralization, and developer functionality. While technical in nature, the successful launch of this update could reignite Ethereum price speculation, enhance DeFi protocol performance, and draw increased developer attention to the ETH ecosystem.U.S. Labor Data and Jobless ClaimsLabor market indicators such as initial jobless claims offer insight into economic cooling or resilience. A rise in unemployment filings may hint at recessionary pressures, potentially forcing the Fed to pause tightening—an outcome that often benefits crypto valuations. Meanwhile, unexpectedly strong job data might suggest more hikes ahead, chilling investor sentiment.Inflation Metrics CPI and PPITwo inflation gauges—Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI)—will also arrive this week. High CPI or PPI data may stoke fears of prolonged inflation and provoke monetary tightening. Such moves tend to drive capital out of speculative markets like crypto. On the flip side, subdued inflation could spark a short-term rally in Bitcoin and altcoins.Summary OutlookWith Ethereum’s infrastructure upgrade on deck, inflation prints looming, and the Fed’s direction in question, crypto market volatility appears imminent. Traders should remain agile as headlines from traditional finance and blockchain innovation continue to collide.