Circle

**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 (CFTC)** is moving forward with initiatives to support tokenized collateral and stablecoins in traditional finance. **Key Development:** - Acting Chair Caroline Pham is leading efforts to integrate trusted stablecoins like USDC into the regulatory framework - Circle publicly recognizes the leadership's role in advancing digital asset adoption **Background Context:** This follows the CFTC's earlier Crypto Sprint initiative, which introduced a pathway for trading spot crypto contracts on registered futures exchanges. The commission has been working to provide regulatory clarity for digital assets while maintaining compliance with existing commodity trading laws. **Industry Impact:** The move represents continued regulatory progress toward making digital assets more accessible within traditional financial infrastructure, building on previous efforts to establish clear guidelines for crypto trading platforms.

**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)

A new **Transatlantic Taskforce for Markets of the Future** has been established, with leadership from UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The initiative represents a significant collaboration between the two nations to shape future market frameworks and policies. - Joint leadership between UK and US financial authorities - Focus on developing forward-looking market strategies - Builds on Bessent's established focus on long-term market gains This taskforce signals strengthened financial cooperation between the UK and US as both countries work to address evolving market challenges and opportunities.

Circle Payments Network (CPN) enables **real-time stablecoin settlement** for cross-border transactions with programmable compliance features. **Key Use Cases:** - Supplier payments - Global payroll - Remittances - Treasury & liquidity operations The network allows institutions to set **customizable transaction filters** across geography, payment type, entity, and eligibility tiers without code rewrites. CPN recently expanded with Paytrie going live to power remittance flows from Canada to Latin America, Hong Kong, and Nigeria. The platform combines stablecoin settlement speed with fiat payouts and built-in compliance.

**GCEX becomes Circle Alliance member**, offering prime brokerage services for institutional clients. The partnership enables: - Deep liquidity across **FX, crypto, indices and commodities** - USDC integration into institutional trading infrastructure - Bridge between traditional finance and **programmable dollars** GCEX's institutional-grade platform strengthens the pathway for **USDC adoption** in professional trading environments. This follows similar partnerships with exchanges like Korbit in South Korea, expanding Circle's global institutional reach through the [Alliance Program](https://www.circle.com/alliance-program).

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.

**0x Project**, a member of the Circle Alliance Program (CAP), is enhancing USDC integration across its decentralized trading infrastructure. Key developments: - Expanded USDC support in token swap mechanisms - Integration with liquidity aggregation systems - Strengthened position as core asset in DeFi operations This follows Circle's broader initiative to expand USDC adoption globally, including recent developments in the Japanese market. Learn more about joining CAP at [Circle Alliance Program](https://www.circle.com/alliance-program)