Navigating Compliance to Drive a Billion-Dollar Acquisition

• Background

  ‍Bridge Ventures LLC (Bridge) was founded by alumni of Coinbase, Brex, and Square and backed by $58 million in funding to integrate stablecoins into the global financial system. Their vision was a platform that could instantly convert stablecoins into fiat currencies, competing with existing global payment networks like SWIFT, VISA, and Mastercard. Bridge built a powerful foundation of money movement and stablecoin APIs, allowing users to easily move in, out, and between all forms of the dollar. To scale its platform and serve customers nationwide, Bridge focused on building a comprehensive, multi-state licensing and compliance framework designed to meet regulatory expectations across jurisdictions and support long-term growth.
• ‍Approach

  FS Vector worked closely with Bridge to map out an effective regulatory and compliance strategy for its U.S. launch. We explored different regulatory frameworks through which to launch a stablecoin issuance developer platform while maintaining Bridge’s focus on scalability and regulatory clarity. Our team built a compliance program and acquired state money transmitter licenses, leveraging in-depth knowledge of the licensing application process and specific requirements for each state. We liaise directly with state regulatory authorities, helped Bridge evolve its strategy as needed, and worked in lockstep as they navigated regulatory uncertainty in the early days of the stablecoin space.

• ‍Outcome

  Through this deep collaboration, we helped Bridge build a foundation of trust with customers, regulators, and banking partners. Their platform achieved instant onboarding, a world-class developer experience, and robust risk management tailored to the realities of stablecoin infrastructure. That preparation positioned Bridge for success when an unexpected exit opportunity emerged: the company was acquired by Stripe for $1.1 billion. As of December 2025, Bridge holds 32 money transmission licenses, with 6 additional applications pending.
• ‍‍Impact

  Bridge’s acquisition demonstrated how smart regulatory strategy can unlock transformative outcomes in emerging markets. Through an approach that integrated compliance and regulatory engagement from the outset, we helped Bridge establish credibility with regulators, operational maturity, and a scalable platform for growth that ultimately attracted a strategic acquirer. This work demonstrates why early, embedded regulatory and compliance planning is essential in rapidly evolving sectors such as blockchain and digital assets.

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