Circle Expands USDC Integration with Global Payment Partners

**Circle Payments Network (CPN)** has launched programmable compliance infrastructure that allows financial institutions to customize their risk frameworks without code rewrites. **Key Features:** - Transaction filters across geography, payment type, entity, and eligibility tiers - Real-time programmable guardrails - Scalable compliance on rails - No bottlenecks or lowest common denominator restrictions The system enables institutions to maintain their unique risk policies while accessing global payment infrastructure. CPN already supports **Paytrie** for remittances from Canada to Latin America, Hong Kong, and Nigeria. **Benefits:** - Stablecoin settlement with fiat payouts - Infrastructure that adapts to business needs - Compliance automation at scale This approach addresses institutional payment needs by combining speed and scale with customizable risk management, allowing financial institutions to operate within their specific regulatory and business requirements. [Learn more about CPN's infrastructure](http://www.circle.com/blog/building-better-payment-infrastructure-how-operational-rules-empower-financial-institutions-in-cpn)

Circle Alliance Program member **Yala** is introducing a new solution for Bitcoin holders to access stablecoin liquidity. **Key Features:** - BTC holders can mint USDC-backed stablecoins - **No custody transfer required** - users keep control of their Bitcoin - Enables cross-chain liquidity access - Supports real-world asset integration This development allows Bitcoin holders to unlock the utility of their holdings without the traditional trade-offs of giving up custody. The solution bridges Bitcoin with the broader DeFi ecosystem through USDC. **Impact:** Bitcoin holders gain access to stablecoin functionality while maintaining control of their assets, potentially increasing Bitcoin's utility in cross-chain applications. Learn more about the [Circle Alliance Program](https://www.circle.com/alliance-program).

**Circle and Fireblocks announce strategic collaboration** to accelerate USDC adoption among financial institutions. The partnership leverages: - **Arc blockchain** - Circle's new enterprise-grade platform - **Fireblocks Network** custody and payments infrastructure - **Circle Payments Network (CPN)** interoperability **Key benefits:** - Combines Circle's stablecoin network with Fireblocks' institutional infrastructure - Designed to bring more traditional institutions onchain - Focuses on enterprise-grade security and compliance This builds on Fireblocks' previous collaboration with Chainlink Labs for regulated stablecoin issuance, showing continued momentum in institutional crypto adoption. [Read full announcement](http://www.circle.com/pressroom/fireblocks-and-circle-strategically-collaborate-to-accelerate-stablecoin-adoption-for-financial-institutions)

Linea blockchain completed a groundbreaking transition from bridged to native USDC, marking the first seamless upgrade of its kind. Key highlights: - Over $21M instantly upgraded without disrupting users or apps - No liquidity migration or smart contract changes required - CCTP V2 deployment enables unified cross-chain liquidity - Zero friction for end users during transition The upgrade makes Linea the 19th blockchain with native USDC support, offering: - Direct 1:1 USD redemption for institutional users - Faster cross-chain transfers (seconds) - Day 1 support from major protocols like Aave and MetaMask [Read the full case study](https://www.circle.com/case-studies/linea)

Circle has unveiled its **Circle Payments Network**, marking a significant expansion of their financial infrastructure. The network aims to bridge traditional finance with digital assets through: - Real-time merchant settlements - Cross-border payment capabilities - Integration with existing payment rails - Support for both USDC and fiat currencies This development represents Circle's strategic move to enhance global payment infrastructure, focusing on practical business applications rather than speculative use cases. The system will operate alongside traditional payment networks, offering merchants and institutions more efficient settlement options while maintaining regulatory compliance. *Key benefit*: Reduced settlement times and costs for businesses handling international transactions.