Payments giant Stripe has finalized a $1.1 billion deal to acquire the platform Bridge, marking one of the largest takeovers in crypto history. The purchase signals Stripe's deepening engagement in the stablecoin payments space, particularly after the company announced stablecoin support earlier in October 2024. Bridge, founded in 2022, offers a software platform enabling businesses to accept stablecoin payments but does not issue stablecoins itself. The acquisition follows Bridge's recent Series A funding round in August 2024 and highlights Stripe's broader strategy to integrate cryptocurrency solutions. Details about whether Bridge will be integrated into Stripe's platform or operated separately remain unclear, alongside any regulatory considerations. The move is accompanied by Stripe's other initiatives to enhance cryptocurrency usability, including a partnership with stablecoin firm Paxos and a payment option allowing businesses to accept crypto payments in over 150 countries using Stripe's infrastructure.

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