Stellar Community Fund

Payala - Enabling offline payments in the stellar ecosystem

SCF #40

SCF #41

Description

Integrating Payala's offline payment technology into the Stellar ecosystem, extending Stellar's reach to users who operate in limited or no-connectivity environments. Payala enables secure, real-time digital transactions without requiring an internet connection, using Smart Cards and NFC-enabled smartphones. Its patented cryptographic protocol ensures onward spending is possible while preventing double-spending, providing a secure bridge between on-chain and off-chain economies. Built for resilience, Payala continues to function during power outages, natural disasters, or infrastructure disruptions, and in rural areas of developing countries where connectivity is unreliable. By leveraging the secure enclave of the Smart Card, Payala also works seamlessly with older smartphones that remain prevalent in many markets. Unlike many mobile payment systems, Payala distributes the source of truth between the card and backend infrastructure, allowing users to transact and check balances even without personal devices —a critical advantage for unbanked and underserved populations.