Introduction to Proprietary Blockchains in Digital Payments
The digital payments landscape is undergoing a transformative shift, fueled by the emergence of proprietary Layer 1 blockchains. Stablecoin issuers are increasingly developing their own blockchain networks to tackle challenges such as settlement speed, interoperability, and regulatory compliance. This trend represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of digital finance, as companies aim to redefine global payment processing.
In this article, we’ll delve into the rise of proprietary blockchains, their benefits, and their impact on the broader financial ecosystem.
What Are Proprietary Layer 1 Blockchains?
Proprietary Layer 1 blockchains are custom-built blockchain networks developed and operated by specific organizations. Unlike public blockchains like Ethereum, these networks function as closed ecosystems, granting issuers greater control over transaction fees, governance, and compliance tools.
For stablecoin issuers, proprietary blockchains offer a unique opportunity to optimize operations. By owning the settlement layer, issuers can reduce reliance on external networks, enhance scalability, and integrate features tailored to their specific use cases.
Key Features of Proprietary Blockchains
Faster Settlements: Proprietary blockchains enable near-instant transaction processing, eliminating delays common in public networks.
Lower Costs: By controlling the infrastructure, issuers can minimize transaction fees and provide predictable pricing.
Integrated Compliance Tools: Built-in KYC/AML features ensure regulatory compliance, a critical factor for institutional adoption.
Custom Interoperability: These blockchains can be designed to integrate seamlessly with local payment systems and other financial networks.
Vertical Integration in the Payments Industry
The adoption of proprietary blockchains reflects a broader trend of vertical integration within the payments industry. By owning the entire payment stack—from stablecoin issuance to blockchain infrastructure—issuers can streamline operations and reduce dependence on third-party networks.
Economic Advantages of Vertical Integration
Control Over Governance: Issuers can establish their own rules, avoiding external governance decisions that may conflict with their objectives.
Reduced Exposure to Fee Markets: Proprietary blockchains eliminate reliance on public networks, shielding issuers from fluctuating transaction fees.
Enhanced Security: Tailored security measures protect user data and funds, ensuring a safer payment environment.
Case Studies: Arc and Tempo Blockchains
Two prominent examples of proprietary blockchains are Circle’s Arc and Stripe’s Tempo. These networks showcase diverse strategies to address specific market needs.
Circle’s Arc Blockchain
Circle’s Arc blockchain positions USDC as its native currency, focusing on cross-border payments and institutional settlements. Key features include:
Near-Instant Settlements: Transactions are processed in seconds, making Arc ideal for high-volume use cases.
Privacy Features: Enhanced privacy tools cater to institutional clients with stringent data protection requirements.
Integrated FX Swaps: Arc supports foreign exchange swaps, simplifying cross-border transactions.
Stripe’s Tempo Blockchain
Stripe’s Tempo blockchain targets e-commerce and subscription-based businesses with merchant-friendly features. Highlights include:
Instant Stablecoin Settlements: Merchants can receive payments in stablecoins without delays.
Predictable Costs: Fixed transaction fees make Tempo attractive for businesses seeking cost transparency.
Checkout Integration: Tempo integrates seamlessly with existing payment systems, reducing friction for merchants.
Ethereum’s Role and Scalability Challenges
Despite the rise of proprietary blockchains, Ethereum remains the dominant platform for stablecoin issuance. However, its scalability challenges—such as high gas fees and network congestion—have created opportunities for specialized chains like Arc and Tempo.
How Proprietary Blockchains Address Ethereum’s Limitations
Dedicated Resources: Proprietary chains are not subject to competing demands from unrelated projects, ensuring consistent performance.
Custom Scalability Solutions: Issuers can implement tailored solutions to efficiently handle high transaction volumes.
Regulatory Compliance and Integrated Tools
Regulatory clarity is essential for the success of proprietary blockchains. By embedding compliance tools directly into the protocol, these networks can meet stringent global regulatory requirements.
Key Compliance Features
KYC/AML Integration: Automated identity verification ensures all participants meet regulatory standards.
Auditability: Transparent transaction records simplify audits and reporting.
Localized Compliance: Networks can adapt to regional regulations, such as Brazil’s PIX or Mexico’s SPEI systems.
Adoption Rates and Market Growth
Stablecoin transactions are experiencing rapid growth, with daily volumes reaching $20–$30 billion. This surge is driven by cross-border payments, institutional use cases, and the increasing adoption of digital assets.
Advantages of Proprietary Blockchains in Market Growth
Faster Transactions: Reduced settlement times make these networks ideal for high-frequency use cases.
Lower Costs: Competitive pricing attracts both businesses and individual users.
Scalability: Proprietary chains can handle growing transaction volumes without compromising performance.
Interoperability Challenges and Trade-Offs
The competition between proprietary and public blockchains highlights key trade-offs between decentralization and control. While proprietary networks offer enhanced performance and compliance, they may face challenges in achieving interoperability with public blockchains.
Key Considerations
Decentralization vs. Control: Proprietary chains sacrifice decentralization for greater control, which may limit their appeal to certain users.
Systemic Risk: Concentration of control in a single entity could pose risks if the network fails or is compromised.
Interoperability Solutions: Bridging proprietary and public blockchains is essential for fostering a cohesive digital payments ecosystem.
Future Implications for Digital Payments
Proprietary blockchains like Arc and Tempo are poised to redefine digital payments by offering faster, cheaper, and more scalable solutions. However, their success will depend on factors such as regulatory clarity, adoption rates, and the ability to address interoperability challenges.
As the payments industry continues to evolve, the competition between open networks and proprietary chains will shape the future of global finance. By balancing innovation with compliance and user needs, these networks have the potential to transform how value is exchanged in the digital age.
Conclusion
The rise of proprietary blockchains marks a significant shift in the digital payments landscape. By addressing the limitations of public networks and offering tailored solutions, these networks are driving the next wave of innovation in stablecoin transactions. As adoption grows, proprietary blockchains will play a crucial role in shaping the future of digital finance.
© 2025 OKX. This article may be reproduced or distributed in its entirety, or excerpts of 100 words or less of this article may be used, provided such use is non-commercial. Any reproduction or distribution of the entire article must also prominently state: “This article is © 2025 OKX and is used with permission.” Permitted excerpts must cite to the name of the article and include attribution, for example “Article Name, [author name if applicable], © 2025 OKX.” Some content may be generated or assisted by artificial intelligence (AI) tools. No derivative works or other uses of this article are permitted.
