Stablecoin issuers are increasingly creating proprietary blockchains to enhance payment systems and gain a competitive edge, according to Delphi Digital.
Stablecoin issuers and fintech companies are increasingly developing their own blockchain networks to enhance their competitive edge and gain greater control over payment systems, as highlighted by Delphi Digital.
New blockchains are emerging, specifically designed to facilitate payments rather than merely token transactions. Traditional general-purpose chains are not equipped to handle the needs of institutional payment flows, prompting the creation of specialized networks.
— Delphi Digital (@Delphi_Digital) March 20, 2026
Experts point out that the previous generation of general-purpose networks was not tailored for the complexities of institutional payments.
In October 2025, Circle launched a public testnet for its Layer 1 blockchain, Arc, which is being promoted as an "economic operating system" aimed at developers and companies with limited access to blockchain technology.
Tether, the company behind USDT, has introduced the EVM-compatible Layer 1 platform, Plasma, which is optimized for stablecoin transactions, particularly for cross-border operations and emerging markets. Plasma's mainnet went live in September.
In a similar vein, Stripe and Paradigm have developed the Tempo platform, which serves as a payment layer tailored for business transactions. Stripe's recent acquisitions, including Bridge and Privy, are part of its strategy to enhance capabilities in stablecoin launches and e-wallet solutions.
Tempo's Layer 1 network was launched in March 2026 and includes an open protocol designed for machine transactions.
Delphi Digital also pointed out several innovative solutions, including:
- Codex, an aggregated rollup utilizing OP Stack, which features a native forex mechanism for banks and companies involved in multi-currency settlements;
- 1Money, a blockchain targeting retail payments and transfers, equipped with protocols for sanctions compliance and anti-money laundering;
- Payy, a network designed for institutions that emphasizes transaction privacy, a critical requirement for many organizations.
When discussing the limitations of existing platforms, experts emphasized that modern general-purpose blockchains were not built with payments as a primary focus, making them unsuitable for institutional needs.
"Most general-purpose blockchains prioritize permissionless operations and broad compatibility, which does not address the specific requirements of payment systems," they noted.
Stablecoins Evolving Beyond Payments
Stablecoins are proving to be valuable tools for companies seeking to enhance cash flow efficiency and improve settlement processes. A recent survey by Ripple indicated that 74% of over 1,000 financial executives believe stablecoins can significantly improve cash flow, beyond their traditional role as payment methods.
Ripple's survey revealed key insights: 72% of finance leaders now consider digital assets essential for competitiveness, and 89% acknowledge the growing importance of digital assets in treasury management.
— Ripple (@Ripple) March 19, 2026
Among fintech professionals, 31% utilize stablecoins for customer payments, while 29% accept these assets directly.
Growing Interest in Tokenization
The survey results further indicated that 72% of participants believe that financial firms must provide digital asset solutions to stay competitive. Many are actively seeking partnerships for tokenization initiatives, with 89% prioritizing asset custody and 82% focusing on token lifecycle management.
Collaboration with comprehensive solution providers is preferred by over half of fintech companies, with banks showing an even higher inclination at 71%.
A significant majority (97%) expect potential partners to hold ISO and SOC II certifications, alongside a strong need for operational support post-integration and proven industry experience.
In March, experts noted that businesses are accelerating the transition of stock markets to blockchain technology, further highlighting the shift towards digital assets.
