Stripe Makes Power Move: Acquires Crypto Wallet Innovator Privy in 2025 Land Grab

Fintech giant Stripe just placed its biggest bet yet on crypto''s mainstream future—snapping up stealth-mode wallet builder Privy in a deal that screams ''infrastructure play.''

Why this matters: The acquisition turbocharges Stripe''s web3 ambitions after quietly enabling USDC payments last year. Privy''s embeddable wallet tech could let any app add crypto onboarding with fewer steps than a Wall Street KYC form.

The cynical take: Another ''strategic pivot'' from a company that dropped Bitcoin payments in 2018 when crypto winter hit. This time, Stripe''s timing looks better—Privy''s tech solves real headaches for developers wrestling with wallet fragmentation.

Bottom line: When legacy finance starts acquiring crypto-native tools instead of building clones, adoption''s next phase has officially begun. Just don''t expect the suits to understand gas fees.

Privy’s independent operations

Stripe said Privy will continue to operate independently, similar to Bridge. The acquisition strengthens Stripe’s ambitions to offer end-to-end infrastructure for businesses building crypto-enabled services. 

It also supports Stripe’s new stablecoin initiatives, including USDC- and USDB-funded merchant accounts.

The deal is expected to close in the coming weeks.