PayPal Blockchain Lead Joins Stellar Development Foundation

José Fernández da Ponte, former head of blockchain at PayPal, has transitioned to the stellar Development Foundation (SDF) as president and chief growth officer. His departure from PayPal follows his oversight of digital currency and stablecoin initiatives. Fernández da Ponte cited Stellar's focus on financial inclusion in developing countries as a key motivator for his move.

The SDF also appointed Jason Karsh, a veteran of Block and Blockchain.com, as chief marketing officer. Karsh's mandate includes unifying brand, product, and ecosystem strategy to enhance Stellar's visibility among developers and institutions.

Stellar's blockchain facilitates cash on-ramps through MoneyGram and real-world asset tokenization with partners like Franklin Templeton. The network maintains a decade-long commitment to humanitarian applications in financial infrastructure.