Klarna Launches First Bank-Issued USD Stablecoin on Stripe’s Tempo

Swedish fintech firm Klarna has launched its first stablecoin, KlarnaUSD, on Tempo, a new payments-focused blockchain developed by Stripe and Paradigm.

Read The Shib Daily on

Google News

According to a press release, the launch follows McKinsey estimates that stablecoin transactions now exceed $27 trillion annually and could surpass traditional payment networks within the decade. With cross-border payments generating roughly $120 billion in fees each year, Klarna views stablecoins as a solution to significantly lower costs for both consumers and merchants.

“With 114 million customers and $112 billion in annual GMV, Klarna has the scale to change payments globally: with Klarna’s scale and Tempo’s infrastructure, we can challenge old networks and make payments faster and cheaper for everyone,” Sebastian Siemiatkowski, co-founder and CEO of Klarna, stated. “Crypto is finally at a stage where it is fast, low-cost, secure, and built for scale. This is the beginning of Klarna in crypto, and I’m excited to work with Stripe and Tempo to continue to shape the future of payments,” he added.

KlarnaUSD, built using Open Issuance by Bridge, a stablecoin infrastructure platform owned by Stripe, is currently live on Tempo’s testnet, providing Klarna early access for testing, prototyping, and integration. The stablecoin is scheduled to launch on Tempo’s mainnet in 2026. This initiative strengthens Klarna’s existing partnership with Stripe, which already supports payments infrastructure across Klarna’s 26 global markets.

The launch of KlarnaUSD spotlights a growing shift in the financial sector, where traditional fintech companies are increasingly embracing blockchain technology to innovate payment solutions. By exploring stablecoins, firms like Klarna are positioning themselves to reduce costs, improve transaction efficiency, and enhance cross-border payments.

Experts suggest that these developments could accelerate mainstream adoption of digital assets, as more consumers and merchants gain exposure to blockchain-based financial tools. While stablecoins were once considered niche products, they are now emerging as a viable complement to existing payment networks, potentially reshaping how money moves globally.

Klarna’s entry also emphasizes the competitive pressure for fintech companies to integrate digital currencies into their offerings to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.

Michaela has no crypto positions and does not hold any crypto assets. This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The Shib Magazine and The Shib Daily are the official media and publications of the Shiba Inu cryptocurrency project. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.

Post Views: 3