Circle Launches New Payment Network
Circle Launches New Payment Network
🔄 Circle's New Payment Chess Move
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.
🔗 USDC Expands to Plume
**Circle is bringing native USDC and CCTP V2 to Plume Network**, a Layer-2 blockchain focused on real-world assets. **Native USDC benefits:** - Regulated stablecoin fully backed 1:1 by US dollars - Institutional on/off-ramps through Circle Mint - Enhanced support for tokenized RWA and DeFi applications **CCTP V2 capabilities:** - Seamless USDC transfers between Plume and other supported blockchains - Secure cross-chain infrastructure with efficient liquidity routing This integration follows similar expansions to XDC Network and Hyperliquid, demonstrating Circle's continued push to expand USDC's reach across specialized blockchain ecosystems. [Learn more about the integration](http://www.circle.com/blog/native-usdc-cctp-v2-are-coming-to-plume-what-you-need-to-know)
Circle's $100K USDC Pitch Competition Returns to NYC
**Circle announces sixth Unlocking Impact Pitch Competition** at One World Trade Center on September 21, 4-6pm ET. The competition targets **innovators using USDC and blockchain** to accelerate humanitarian aid and drive inclusive growth. **Key details:** - $100,000 USDC grand prize - Focus on UN Sustainable Development Goals - RSVP deadline: September 15 - Previous competitions awarded $500K+ to innovators The event continues Circle's commitment to supporting blockchain solutions for social impact. [Register here](https://www.circle.com/impact-pitch-competition-2025)
GENIUS Act Becomes Law, Establishing Federal Stablecoin Framework
The **GENIUS Act** has officially become law, creating the first federal regulatory framework for payment stablecoins in the United States. **Key developments:** - Circle's business model is now essentially codified into federal law - Establishes clear rules for stablecoin operations and compliance - Represents the first pro-innovation, technology-neutral financial standard at the federal level **Impact on the industry:** - USDC and other compliant stablecoins gain regulatory clarity - Creates a pathway for responsible innovation in digital payments - Strengthens the U.S. position in global digital finance competition Circle has praised the legislation, noting their long-standing support for transparent regulations. The company positions this as enabling a more secure and inclusive financial future built on U.S. dollar stability. This milestone provides the regulatory certainty that stablecoin issuers and users have been seeking, potentially accelerating adoption in traditional finance.
AMINA Bank Bridges Traditional and Digital Finance
**AMINA Bank Global** joins Circle's Alliance Program to connect traditional banking with digital finance. The partnership enables access to **USDC and EURC stablecoins**, allowing both individuals and institutions to transact across global infrastructure. - AMINA provides crypto banking services - Supports confident cross-border transactions - Part of Circle's growing alliance network This collaboration represents another step in making digital currencies accessible through established financial institutions. [Learn more about Circle Alliance Program](https://www.circle.com/alliance-program)
Linea Achieves First-Ever Seamless USDC Bridge-to-Native Upgrade
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)