Circle

**Circle proposes connecting USDC with AI payment infrastructure** Circle announced its proposal to integrate Circle Gateway with x402, an open payment protocol designed for AI agent transactions. The company is also collaborating with **Google on Agent2Agent (A2A)** and contributing to the **Agent Payments Protocol (AP2)**. **Key developments:** - USDC positioned for machine-to-machine micropayments - Partnership enables programmable, interoperable payments - Open proposal posted on x402 GitHub for community review - Infrastructure aims to connect humans and AI agents in shared economy The initiative builds on Google's recent AP2 announcement, which creates cryptographically verifiable consent for AI spending. Combined with Coinbase's x402 protocol, this enables **fast, cheap, and verifiable** stablecoin payments for AI agents. [Read Circle's full proposal](https://www.circle.com/blog/enabling-machine-to-machine-micropayments-with-gateway-and-usdc)

Circle Gateway launched on **four new blockchains**: HyperEVM (Hyperliquid), Sei Network, Sonic Labs, and World Chain. **Key Features:** - Non-custodial, chain-abstracted USDC management - Instant crosschain transactions under 500ms - Unified balance across all supported chains - Capital-efficient treasury operations Gateway **decouples source chain finality** from crosschain settlement, allowing users to deposit USDC from any chain and access it instantly across the network. **Now supports 11 chains total:** Arbitrum, Avalanche, Base, Ethereum, HyperEVM, Optimism, Polygon, Sei, Sonic Labs, Unichain, and World Chain. This represents a **new crosschain paradigm** for DeFi, payments, and treasury management without traditional bridging delays. [Start building today](http://developers.circle.com/gateway)

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

Polymer Labs has secured significant funding to advance its modular blockchain networking protocol. Here are the key details: - **Series A Funding**: $23 million raised - **Lead Investors**: Blockchain Capital, Maven 11, and Distributed Global - **Notable Participants**: Coinbase Ventures, Placeholder, Digital Currency Group, North The protocol focuses on Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) technology, aiming to enhance blockchain interoperability. This development aligns with growing industry interest in modular and composable DeFi solutions, as evidenced by recent work from Inco Network and Circle Research. *Follow developments at @IncoNetwork for updates on privacy-focused DeFi innovations.*