Circle Launches USDCKit SDK for Payment Service Providers

Circle Research released **OOAK**, a lightweight framework designed to improve AI agent architecture through object-oriented design principles. **Key Features:** - Enables AI agents to use instance method tools while preserving state - Isolates secrets for enhanced security - Scales securely across applications - Built as an OpenAI SDK extension **Why This Matters:** - Solves common design pitfalls of single global object approaches - Brings true object-oriented programming to AI agent development - Provides developers with better tools for building scalable AI systems The framework is now available on [GitHub](https://github.com/circlefin/circle-ooak) with full documentation on [Circle's blog](https://www.circle.com/blog/ooak-object-oriented-agent-kit). This release comes as AI agent development continues to mature, with platforms like OpenOcean also expanding their APIs to support AI service agents across multiple blockchain networks.

**USDC and CCTP V2 launched on Ink blockchain**, expanding Circle's stablecoin reach to 28 supported networks. **Key capabilities on Ink:** - DeFi trading with spot and perpetuals collateral - 24/7 settlement for derivatives and financial transactions - Seamless crosschain liquidity transfers via CCTP V2 **Day 1 partners** include Bungee Exchange, Velodrome Finance, and Wormhole. This follows recent USDC launches on Plume, XDC Network, and HyperEVM, demonstrating Circle's continued multi-chain expansion strategy. [Get started on Ink](http://www.circle.com/blog/now-available-usdc-cctp-v2-on-ink)

The **Commodity Futures Trading Commission** announced a new initiative allowing stablecoins and tokenized U.S. Treasuries to serve as collateral in derivatives markets. **Key developments:** - CFTC Acting Chair Caroline D. Pham leads the regulatory advancement - Markets affected have notional values in the **hundreds of trillions** - Circle's USDC among trusted stablecoins recognized **Market impact:** The move represents a significant step toward integrating traditional and tokenized finance. Derivatives markets, among the world's largest financial sectors, will now accept digital assets as valid collateral. **Regulatory significance:** This initiative signals growing institutional acceptance of stablecoins in mainstream finance. The CFTC's decision could pave the way for broader adoption of tokenized assets across traditional financial infrastructure. Read the full CFTC press release: [CFTC Press Release](https://www.cftc.gov/PressRoom/PressReleases/9130-25)

**ATEC emerged victorious** at Circle's Unlocking Impact Pitch Competition, securing a **$100,000 USDC grand prize** for their humanitarian blockchain solution. The competition brought together innovators leveraging USDC and blockchain infrastructure to accelerate humanitarian aid and drive inclusive growth. **Other notable finalists:** - @xcapit_ - @BuFi_Global **All three finalists received valuable mentorships** from major industry players: - Visa - Mastercard - EY - World Food Programme (WFP) - Goodwall The event showcased how blockchain technology can create meaningful impact beyond traditional financial applications, demonstrating practical solutions for humanitarian challenges.

**Rise transforms global payroll** using Circle's USDC stablecoin infrastructure, delivering significant improvements for international workforce payments. **Key improvements achieved:** - 40% reduction in payment processing costs - 95% improvement in cross-border payment speed - Near-instant settlement replacing days-long wire transfers - 53%+ of users now choose stablecoin payouts **Traditional payroll challenges solved:** - Wire transfers taking multiple days - High fees and hidden costs - Limited transparency in cross-border payments Rise's integration with Circle's stablecoin infrastructure enables **real-time global payroll processing** with transparent costs and worldwide reach. This case study demonstrates how stablecoins can **scale better financial experiences** for businesses managing international teams. [Read the full case study](https://www.circle.com/case-studies/rise)