Stripe-Backed Blockchain Tempo Starts Testnet; Kalshi, Mastercard, UBS Added as Partners

Core Insights - Tempo, a payments-focused blockchain backed by Stripe and Paradigm, has launched its public testnet to facilitate stablecoin payments for mainstream use [1][2] - The network has added new partners including Klarna, Kalshi, Mastercard, and UBS, joining existing partners like Deutsche Bank, Visa, Shopify, OpenAI, and Nubank [1] - The initiative aligns with the growing trend of stablecoin adoption, which is currently a $300 billion asset class, expected to enhance cross-border payment systems [3] Company Developments - Tempo is designed for high-volume financial transactions with low fees, instant finality, and native stablecoin support [2] - The testnet allows developers and corporate partners to experiment with real-world on-chain payments [2] - The network charges approximately one-tenth of a cent per transaction, payable in U.S. dollar-denominated stablecoins, addressing issues like network congestion and volatile fees [4] Industry Trends - The rise of stablecoins is projected to significantly impact business-to-business (B2B), peer-to-peer (P2P), and card payments, driving growth in the sector [3] - The launch of Tempo's testnet comes alongside Stripe's Bridge initiative, which is assisting Klarna in issuing its own digital dollar next year [4]