Circle

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

Industry leaders highlight a significant shift in blockchain's trajectory: - Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire observes the technology crossing the chasm into mainstream adoption - Movement toward the slope of enlightenment phase indicates maturing market understanding - WisdomTree's Benjamin Dean emphasizes viewing blockchain as financial infrastructure - Focus shifting from individual asset prices to broader technological capabilities *Key Transformation*: Blockchain networks are now enabling value exchange with the same ease as data exchange on the internet. **Industry Perspective**: The narrative is evolving from speculative asset trading to fundamental financial innovation.

Circle announces native USDC and Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol (CCTP) integration with Aptos blockchain. Key updates include: - Native USDC implementation with 1:1 USD backing - CCTP enabling secure transfers across 9 blockchains via 72 routes - Existing bridged USDC to be renamed as lzUSDC - Support for MoveVM applications in DeFi, payments, and gaming The integration will allow developers to build cross-chain applications connecting Arbitrum, Base, Ethereum, Solana, and other networks. Bridge providers will facilitate a gradual transition from bridged to native USDC. *Technical Details:* - Token Symbol: USDC - Mainnet Address: Pending - Current Bridge: LayerZero continues normal operations