Visa, Stripe, Zodia Custody Join Tempo as Validators

Visa, Stripe, and Zodia Custody, a cryptocurrency custody firm backed by Standard Chartered, have joined the Tempo blockchain as validators, marking a major step in integrating traditional finance with blockchain-based payment systems. The announcement, highlighted by Visa on Tuesday, positions these financial powerhouses as active participants in securing and operating a network designed for real-time stablecoin transactions and high-speed settlements.

The companies, which collectively process trillions of dollars in payments annually across nearly every country, will verify and confirm transaction batches on Tempo, a Layer 1 blockchain focused on stablecoin transfers and agentic commerce. Validators in Tempo's proof-of-stake model stake the network's native tokens to participate, earning stablecoin rewards for maintaining security and uptime while risking penalties for any lapses. Visa configured and manages its validator node in-house after six months of collaboration with Tempo's engineering team, serving as an anchor validator alongside Stripe and Zodia Custody. This role extends beyond passive support; the firms have been design partners since Tempo's inception and are...