Buy vs Build

Making the Right Architectural Decisions

🔨 The Build vs Buy Decision

Launching a full-featured stablecoin fintech product can feel like building a bank. From global payments to user-facing apps, there's a lot to stitch together.

But here's the truth: you don't have to build it all yourself.

Understanding what to build — and what to buy — is one of the most strategic decisions you'll make.

🧱 The Stack: 5 Layers to Consider

Understanding the key layers of your fintech stack and making strategic build vs buy decisions for each.

Layer	Build?	Buy?	Examples
1. Application Layer	✅ Customize UX for differentiation	✅ Start with a white-label, then evolve	Rehive provides branded apps + UI SDKs
2. Platform Layer	🔄 Only if you're building a platform business	✅ Buy to accelerate time-to-market	Rehive's core platform: ledger, users, wallet logic, compliance workflows
3. Connectors Layer	❌ High complexity with limited value-add	✅ Buy to simplify integrations	Rehive's Bridge integration and provider connections
4. Infrastructure Providers	❌ Specialized, regulated, capital-heavy	✅ Always buy from licensed providers	KYC (Sumsub), Custody (Fireblocks), Ramps (Bridge, Nilos), Cards (Lithic)
5. Value Transfer Networks	❌ Pre-existing networks	✅ Use established networks	Blockchains (Ethereum, Solana), Banking (ACH, SWIFT), Card networks (Visa, Mastercard)

Each layer presents distinct build vs buy considerations. For most fintechs, building your own infrastructure or value transfer networks isn't practical, while the application layer often benefits from customization.

🧮 What "Building It All" Really Looks Like

The true cost and timeline of building a full-featured fintech product from scratch.

Building from Scratch
Time estimate	12–18 months
Team size required	10–15 engineers + 2–3 ops/compliance
Cost estimate	$1.5M+ in year one

Now compare that to:

⚡️ What You Get by Buying Rehive + Bridge

✅ Pre-built compliance-ready flows
✅ Branded web & mobile apps (optional UI SDK)
✅ Rehive-led orchestration: user tiers, ledger, transaction logic
✅ Bridge-led infra: virtual USD accounts, ACH/Wire, USDC liquidity
✅ Go live in 3–6 weeks, not 12–18 months
✅ Low starting cost plus usage-based fees

You're not skipping innovation — you're skipping plumbing.

🧠 Build Smart, Not Big

Focus your resources on areas that create true differentiation.

What You Should Focus On

Area	Examples
Use case	Freelancer payments, remittances, rewards, treasury
UX	Simple, local, trustworthy
Growth	Partnerships, channels, go-to-market
Revenue model	FX, SaaS, interchange, loyalty

🧩 Composability for Vertical Use Cases

Build flexible solutions that can evolve with your needs.

Benefit	Description
Avoid Vendor Lock-In	You don't want to be locked into one provider for custody, KYC, or liquidity — especially if pricing, regulation, or support changes. You need the freedom to switch providers.
Negotiate Better Terms	When you can swap out infrastructure providers, you have leverage. Composability empowers you to optimize for cost and performance.
Adapt to Market Shifts	Regulations change. User expectations evolve. Business models pivot. With a composable stack, your fintech product can evolve too — without starting over.
Own Your Future	Full ownership matters: You should be able to own the full codebase, host it yourself, and iterate independently if your roadmap requires it. Rehive offers exactly this with an optional single use software license — unlike most fintech platforms, we ensure you have complete control and ownership, guaranteeing your product can grow on your terms without limitations.

🧠 Takeaway

Key insights to guide your build vs buy decisions.

Decision Point	Guidance
When to Build	Build your unique user experience, business logic, and market-specific features that create differentiation.
When to Buy	Buy infrastructure, compliance, and core platform capabilities to accelerate time-to-market and reduce technical debt.
Hybrid Approach	Start with a platform like Rehive that gives you both ready-made components and the flexibility to customize and extend as your business grows.
Long-term Strategy	Choose solutions that offer composability and ownership, allowing you to adapt as regulations change and your business evolves.

Let's build better fintech — faster, and smarter.