Google Cloud Unveils ‘Universal Ledger’ Layer-1 Blockchain to Rival Stripe and Circle #

Google Cloud is rolling out its Universal Ledger (GCUL), a Layer-1 blockchain designed as “credibly neutral” infrastructure for financial institutions. First teased in March in a pilot with CME Group for tokenized asset settlements and wholesale payments, GCUL now promises broader institutional reach with Python-based smart contracts, separating it from Stripe’s Tempo and Circle’s Arc by offering a non-proprietary alternative. Rich Widmann, Head of Web3 Strategy at Google, highlighted that “any financial institution can build with GCUL,” noting that entities like Tether may avoid Circle’s chain and Adyen could opt out of Stripe’s. More technical details are expected in the coming months as the platform moves toward full launch.

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