Stripe has acquired crypto wallet startup Valora and is collaborating with Klarna to create a digital wallet for cryptocurrencies. The partnership aims to make crypto more accessible to everyday users, aligning with both companies' goals of enhancing financial service access.

Stripe is teaming up with Crypto.com to allow users to pay with cryptocurrencies at select online merchants starting this month. While this move indicates a growing interest in crypto payments, experts warn that the actual adoption will depend on consumer demand. Other payment companies, like Block, are also exploring similar options.

Bridge, a stablecoin infrastructure firm acquired by Stripe, has applied for a national bank trust charter with the OCC, expanding the roster of cryptocurrency firms seeking charters under the newly enacted Genius Act. While the charter would enable custody and management of stablecoin reserves, it would not permit lending or taking insured deposits. The application reflects a significant shift towards federal recognition of stablecoin infrastructure, although there is opposition from traditional banking groups.

Tempo, a payments-focused blockchain incubated by Stripe, has successfully raised $500 million in a Series A funding round, achieving a valuation of $5 billion. The funding, led by Thrive Capital and Greenoaks, underscores Stripe's increasing involvement in the cryptocurrency sector as Tempo aims to optimize high-throughput payments on an Ethereum-compatible Layer 1 network.