Stellar Tier 1 Validator Adds MoneyGram to Boost Blockchain Security

MoneyGram joins the Stellar Tier 1 validator network alongside Figure Markets and Range, strengthening blockchain security, decentralization, and cross-border payments.

The Stellar Tier 1 validator network has expanded with the addition of MoneyGram, Figure Markets, and blockchain security company Range, marking a significant step toward strengthening the Stellar blockchain. The announcement from the Stellar Development Foundation (SDF) upgrades these organizations from network users to operators responsible for helping validate transactions and maintain blockchain security.

MoneyGram, which has worked with Stellar since 2021, confirmed on X that it is now a Tier 1 validator, bringing its expertise in global payments, compliance, and financial infrastructure to the network. This move further strengthens the company's long-term partnership with Stellar and supports its mission of improving cross-border payments.

Strengthening the Stellar Blockchain

A Stellar Tier 1 validator plays a critical role in the Stellar Consensus Protocol by verifying transactions and helping the network reach agreement without relying on proof-of-stake rewards. Instead, validator operators contribute infrastructure and maintain high operational standards to improve decentralization and resilience. Tier 1 organizations are required to run three geographically distributed full validators, maintain at least 99.9% uptime, and complete identity verification requirements.

According to the Stellar Development Foundation, adding established organizations like MoneyGram, Figure Markets, and Range strengthens network reliability while reducing the risk of outages affecting consensus.

Expanding Cross-Border Payment Infrastructure

MoneyGram's validator role extends its existing collaboration with Stellar, which already enables customers to convert cash into digital assets and back through its global retail network. Meanwhile, Figure Markets continues expanding regulated financial products on Stellar, while Range contributes advanced blockchain security expertise.

The three organizations are expected to join Stellar's Tier 1 quorum configuration by mid-August, further improving network stability and supporting the future growth of global digital payments.

Learn more from the Stellar Development Foundation announcement.

FAQs

1. What is a Stellar Tier 1 validator?
A Tier 1 validator operates multiple full validator nodes that help validate transactions and secure the Stellar blockchain.

2. Why did MoneyGram become a Stellar validator?
MoneyGram joined as a validator to support secure cross-border payments and strengthen its long-standing partnership with Stellar.

3. Who are the new Tier 1 validators?
The new validators are MoneyGram, Figure Markets, and Range.

4. How does this benefit the Stellar network?
The addition improves decentralization, network resilience, blockchain security, and transaction reliability.

5. When will the new validators become fully active?
The Stellar Development Foundation expects them to be integrated into the Tier 1 quorum configuration by mid-August.