Stripe launches Open Issuance, enabling businesses to issue stablecoins, powered by Bridge, alongside AI and commerce innovations.
Payments leader Stripe has moved into stablecoin technology with the launch of Open Issuance. The platform enables businesses to issue and manage their own stablecoins with just a few lines of code. The announcement was made at Stripe Tour New York, the company’s annual product showcase event, where it announced more than 40 innovations. Industry experts view this as a huge game-changer in the digital payments industry.
Bridge API Enables Low-Cost Stablecoin Conversions
Open Issuance is powered by Bridge, a stablecoin infrastructure company that Stripe acquired in 2024 for $1.1 billion. The platform makes it easy to create and redeem stablecoins while providing reserve management capabilities. Treasuries are managed by BlackRock, Fidelity, and Superstate, while cash liquidity is managed by Lead Bank. By enabling companies to mint and destroy coins as they wish, the service eliminates technical and operational barriers.
Businesses can also integrate customizable reserves, balancing between treasuries and cash, depending on strategic needs. Importantly, Open Issuance provides interoperability between coins issued on the platform, enabling lower-cost conversions between stablecoins. Bridge’s orchestration API gives the technical backbone, which reduces friction and cost. Industry experts suggest this model helps companies hold onto yields, as opposed to depending on a third-party stablecoin provider.
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Stripe also brought some updates that go beyond stablecoins, in terms of artificial intelligence and commerce on new models. The firm announced the Agentic Commerce Protocol, built with OpenAI, to allow AI agents to make transactions directly with merchants. Partners like Microsoft Copilot, Anthropic, and Perplexity are already experimenting with integrations. According to Stripe, this step creates a common industry standard for agent-based transactions in online commerce.
Stripe Brings 40+ Updates to Power Stablecoin
Additionally, Stripe has enhanced its ability to prevent fraud with the increased use of Stripe Radar, which can now block 62% of free trial abuse. Stripe Billing implemented hybrid pricing models of subscriptions and usage systems, while AI companies have APIs for real-time cost tracking. Over 40 updates in total were presented, including recurring stablecoin payments and more global tax support. Stripe’s Reader S710 also launched with worldwide availability.
The supply of global stablecoins increased 57% over the past year, according to industry reports. Stripe’s platform gives firms more autonomy to reduce reliance on existing issuers. Analysts see space for neobanks, fintech companies, and e-commerce players to create more value out of digital currencies. However, fast adoption may leave companies with liquidity issues or difficulty in complying with regulations in case market conditions suddenly change.
Experts have commented that the independent launch of stablecoins can pose strategic benefits as well as financial exposure. Rewards from issuing coins can be a stick to customer loyalty, but there can be more volatility that can result in greater operational risks. Firms that have high ratios of token reserve could be exposed to restructuring needs in downturns. The risk of liquidation, especially for highly geared operators, is a major factor.
In bringing stablecoins and AI-powered commerce together, Stripe is at the cutting edge of digital transformation. The move is part of a larger trend in the industry where payments, finance, and automation are converging. While growth opportunities are enormous, sustainability will depend on cautious treasury management and clarity of regulation. For businesses, the balance between innovation and resilience will define the future.
