Circle

Circle is hosting an executive webinar on January 26 at 10:00am ET titled "What the Internet Financial System Unlocks for Banks." The session focuses on how regulated stablecoins like USDC are becoming core infrastructure for financial institutions. Circle's platform combines three layers: - **Regulated digital assets** (USDC, EURC, USYC) as units of value - **Arc blockchain network** as the Economic OS for the internet - **Applications** like Circle Payments Network for real-world utility Recent data shows nearly $10T in USDC onchain transaction volume in Q3 2025, with 3x year-over-year growth in trading volume share. Stablecoins are now used across payments, treasury, foreign exchange, and capital markets. [Register for the webinar](http://www.circle.com/webinars/what-the-internet-financial-system-unlocks-for-banks)

Circle has published a comprehensive report examining the emerging internet financial system, positioning stablecoins as a fundamental component of this new infrastructure. **Key Points:** - The report explores how stablecoins are becoming central to digital financial infrastructure - Circle is hosting an Executive Insights session on January 26 at 10:00am ET - The webinar will focus on implications for traditional banking institutions - Session title: "What the Internet Financial System Unlocks for Banks" The full report is available on Circle's website and provides analysis of how blockchain-based financial systems are evolving. The upcoming webinar aims to help banking executives understand opportunities in this shifting landscape. [Read the full report](https://circle.com/reports/internet-financial-system) [Register for the webinar](http://www.circle.com/webinars/what-the-internet-financial-system-unlocks-for-banks)

Circle has launched **USDCx on Canton Network** through its new xReserve infrastructure, bringing USDC-backed stablecoins to the privacy-focused blockchain. **Key Features:** - 1:1 backing by USDC held in Circle's xReserve smart contract - Seamless atomic settlement of tokenized assets - Privacy-preserving payment capabilities - Cross-chain interoperability without third-party bridges **What This Means:** Businesses can now access unified USDC liquidity across supported chains while maintaining privacy. The trust-minimized approach reduces bridge risks through Circle's attestation system. Canton joins Stacks as early xReserve partners, expanding Circle's interoperability infrastructure beyond traditional bridging solutions. [Read more details](http://www.circle.com/blog/usdcx-on-canton-now-available-via-circle-xreserve)

Circle officially launched its **Circle Foundation** at Nasdaq Tower, funded through the company's Pledge 1% equity commitment. The foundation focuses on **financial resilience and inclusion** with three key areas: - Strengthening financial systems for US small businesses - Modernizing global humanitarian aid infrastructure - Building durable economic participation infrastructure Circle highlights how **digital dollars** have already improved relief efforts by making aid faster, safer, and more transparent for displaced families and frontline workers. The initiative represents Circle's commitment to scaling financial access globally, supporting both domestic small businesses and international humanitarian efforts through blockchain-based solutions.

**Circle announces collaboration with OpenMind** to develop foundational standards for machine-to-machine payments using USDC. The partnership aims to: - Create USDC-powered micropayment protocols - Build infrastructure for autonomous AI transactions - Enable seamless payments between humans and AI agents **Key technical details:** - Integration with x402 open payment protocol - Participation in Google's A2A (Agent2Agent) initiative - Contributions to AP2 (Agent Payments Protocol) Circle positions USDC as ideal for AI payments due to its programmability, interoperability, and near-instant usability across the internet. The companies have published their [agentic payments proposal](http://github.com/coinbase/x402/issues/447) on GitHub, inviting developers and researchers to review and contribute to the open-source initiative. This builds on Circle's October announcement about exploring crypto-AI intersections and their belief that AI will transform software interactions, including payments.

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)

Circle President Heath Tarbert appeared on Fox News to discuss stablecoins' role in modernizing the US dollar. Key points: - Stablecoins function as digital dollars moving instantly on blockchain - They maintain full reserves with 1:1 USD backing - National banks now authorized to issue and process stablecoins - Federal regulation could enhance financial efficiency and reduce costs Recent developments show growing support, with Federal Reserve Gov. Christopher Waller noting stablecoins may strengthen USD position. The OCC's authorization for banks marks significant progress toward mainstream financial integration. [Read full article on Fox News](https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/how-we-protect-us-dollar-dominance-digital-age)

Immersve has launched a groundbreaking integration enabling direct USDC payments from Web3 wallets at Mastercard merchants worldwide. Key features: - Available at 90M+ merchant locations - Accessible to 100M+ Web3 wallet users - No transfer delays or hidden fees - Familiar payment experience The Circle-Immersve collaboration aims to normalize digital asset spending in everyday transactions. Users can now spend USDC as easily as traditional currency, marking a practical step toward mainstream crypto adoption. **How it works:** - Connect Web3 wallet - Pay directly with USDC - Instant processing at point of sale