USDT Takes Center Stage in Stripe’s Tempo Testnet: A New Era for Stablecoin-Powered Global Payments
On December 10, 2025, the financial technology landscape witnessed a significant development as Stripe, in collaboration with crypto investment firm Paradigm, unveiled the Tempo testnet. This initiative marks a pivotal step towards mainstreaming stablecoins for global transactions. Tempo is a purpose-built blockchain designed explicitly to facilitate cross-border payments using dollar-pegged stablecoins, with Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) playing foundational roles not just as transaction mediums but also for covering network gas fees. This architectural choice directly tackles the dual challenges of price volatility and high costs that have historically hindered cryptocurrency adoption for everyday payments. By pegging transaction costs to a fixed target of one-tenth of a cent and leveraging the stability of assets like USDT, Tempo promises to deliver fast settlement times and ultra-low fees. This development is a strong bullish signal for the utility and integration of major stablecoins into the global financial infrastructure, potentially accelerating their adoption as viable tools for commerce and remittances beyond speculative trading.
Stripe and Paradigm Launch Tempo Testnet for Stablecoin-Native Global Payments
Stripe and Paradigm have unveiled the Tempo testnet, a blockchain designed specifically for stablecoin-powered global payments. The platform promises fast settlement times and ultra-low fees—targeting a fixed cost of one-tenth of a cent per transaction—while eliminating volatility risks by using dollar-pegged stablecoins like USDT and USDC for gas fees.
Tempo’s architecture addresses two critical pain points in blockchain payments: unpredictable costs and scalability limitations. By native stablecoin integration, it creates a predictable fee environment for high-volume transactions, positioning itself as a viable infrastructure LAYER for fintech companies and financial institutions.
The testnet launch signals growing institutional interest in blockchain-based payment rails. Unlike general-purpose chains, Tempo focuses exclusively on financial settlements, potentially offering regulatory clarity advantages for enterprises adopting stablecoin transactions.
Binance Co-CEO's Hacked WeChat Account Fuels Memecoin Pump-and-Dump
Binance co-CEO Yi He’s compromised WeChat account became a vehicle for a coordinated memecoin scheme on Tuesday. Hackers promoted MUBARA, a previously obscure token, through her hijacked social media channel—triggering a volatile trading pattern characteristic of pump-and-dump operations.
The attackers deployed 19,479 USDT to acquire 21.16 million MUBARA tokens before broadcasting fake endorsements. Decentralized exchanges saw immediate volume and price surges as the message circulated. By offloading 11.95 million tokens for 43,520 USDT, the perpetrators netted approximately $55,000 in profits, retaining 9.21 million tokens worth $31,000.
Yi He confirmed the account hadn’t been active for years, with attackers seizing control via the linked phone number. Binance founder Changpeng Zhao swiftly warned followers on X to disregard the fraudulent promotions, citing inherent vulnerabilities in Web2 platforms.
KindlyMD Secures $210M USDT Loan from Kraken Backed by Bitcoin Collateral
Utah-based KindlyMD has pivoted its financing strategy toward cryptocurrency, securing a $210 million USDT loan from Kraken. The one-year facility carries an 8% annual fee and is fully collateralized by over $323 million in Bitcoin held under a shared custody agreement. This move terminates the company's existing credit relationship with Antalpha Digital.
The loan proceeds will be used to retire KindlyMD's prior debt obligations. Following its merger with Nakamoto Holdings, the firm now operates as a dedicated bitcoin treasury, currently custoding more than 5,300 BTC. The transaction underscores growing institutional acceptance of bitcoin as collateral for traditional financing structures.
