Stripe Stablecoin Architect Exits as Bridge Expands Across 100 Plus Markets

TLDR

• Stripe stablecoin partnerships head Connor Fitzgerald exits Bridge

• Bridge stablecoin platform now operates across more than 100 markets

• EU approvals let Bridge expand regulated services across 27 countries

• Visa partnership targets stablecoin card rollout in 100-plus countries

• Stripe strengthens stablecoin strategy despite leadership transition

Stripe has lost the executive who helped build its global stablecoin card infrastructure after Connor Fitzgerald left the company. The departure comes as Stripe continues expanding regulated stablecoin payment services across more than 100 markets. The move follows major product launches, regulatory approvals, and broader expansion plans for blockchain-based payments.

Stripe Built Global Stablecoin Infrastructure Through Bridge

Connor Fitzgerald left Stripe after helping establish the company’s stablecoin card infrastructure following its acquisition of Bridge. He joined Bridge one month after the acquisition and focused on building sponsor bank relationships. He also developed partnerships with payment networks that supported global card issuance.

Last week was my final week at @Stablecoin and @stripe.

I joined one month after the acquisition closed, when no one had built a stablecoin card program with a true sponsor bank, and helped build the global card program from zero.

We did a lot of the hard work early, building…

— Connor Fitzgerald (@cnrfitz) July 27, 2026

The work required Stripe to establish banking partnerships while meeting regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions. The company created operational infrastructure before expanding internationally. Those efforts later supported stablecoin card programs across more than 100 markets.

During Fitzgerald’s tenure, Stripe introduced the first stablecoin settlement flow in the United States. The program also increased annualized payment volume from zero to tens of millions of dollars. Additionally, the company expanded partnerships with payment networks and financial institutions supporting stablecoin-backed card issuance.

Bridge Expansion Strengthens Stripe Global Payments Strategy

Stripe acquired Bridge for approximately $1.1 billion to strengthen its blockchain-based payments business. Since then, the company has expanded stablecoin products and regulated payment services across several regions. The acquisition also added infrastructure supporting blockchain-based cross-border settlement.

Earlier this month, Bridge secured Markets in Crypto-Assets authorization and an Electronic Money Institution license in Luxembourg. Those approvals allow regulated services throughout all 27 European Union member states. Businesses can also issue euro-backed stablecoins and create virtual IBANs through one regulatory framework.

The licenses also allow fintech companies to integrate cross-border euro accounts through a single connection. Enterprises can move funds between subsidiaries using stablecoins instead of correspondent banking networks. Consequently, Stripe strengthened its European payments infrastructure while simplifying regional expansion for businesses.

Stripe Expands Stablecoin Network While Leadership Changes

Stripe continued expanding its stablecoin ecosystem despite Fitzgerald’s departure from the company. Earlier this year, Visa expanded its partnership with Bridge to support stablecoin-backed card programs. The initiative targets availability across more than 100 countries before the end of 2026.

Fitzgerald indicated his next venture will remain focused on blockchain-based financial infrastructure. He said his experience working with stablecoin companies shaped his view of future banking. However, he did not disclose details about his next role or organization.

Stripe also continues pursuing broader payment expansion beyond Bridge. Reports previously indicated that Stripe and Advent International submitted a proposal to acquire PayPal. Although discussions remain active, the proposed transaction would combine PayPal’s digital payment products with Stripe’s growing stablecoin infrastructure if completed