ARK Invest sold $51.7M in Circle shares after a 400% stock rally.
Circle’s CRCL stock surged from $31 IPO price to $151.06.
Firm retains 4.15M shares, valued at $628M, showing confidence.
GENIUS Act passage bolsters stablecoin sector’s regulatory clarity.
Circle’s USDC adoption drives its $36B valuation growth.
ARK Invest, led by Cathie Wood, sold $51.7 million worth of Circle Internet Group shares on June 16, 2025, capitalizing on a nearly 400% stock surge since the stablecoin issuer’s initial public offering. The sale marks the firm’s first profit-taking move since acquiring 4.49 million shares during Circle’s June 5 debut on the New York Stock Exchange.
Circle’s stock, trading under CRCL, closed at $151.06 on Monday, up 13% for the day. The price reflects a dramatic climb from its $31 IPO valuation, driven by growing investor interest in stablecoins like USDC. ARK’s transaction involved 342,658 shares across three exchange-traded funds: ARK Innovation ETF, ARK Next Generation Internet ETF, and ARK Fintech Innovation ETF.
The firm’s average purchase price was approximately $96 per share, yielding a 50% gain on the sold tranche. ARK retains over 4.15 million Circle shares, valued at roughly $628 million, indicating confidence in the company’s long-term potential despite the divestment.
Circle’s IPO has drawn significant attention to the stablecoin sector, which facilitates seamless transactions in the cryptocurrency market. The company’s USDC, pegged to the U.S. dollar, has seen rising adoption, bolstering its market position. Recent data from CoinMarketCap shows USDC’s circulating supply exceeding $32 billion, underscoring its prominence.
Strategic Portfolio Adjustment
ARK’s sale coincides with Circle reaching an intraday high of $165.60, a milestone that prompted the firm to lock in gains. The move aligns with ARK’s history of rebalancing portfolios after sharp rallies in high-growth sectors like fintech and blockchain. The firm has also increased investments in companies such as AMD and Taiwan Semiconductor, suggesting a diversification strategy amid evolving market conditions.
Regulatory developments have further shaped the stablecoin landscape. The U.S. Senate’s passage of the GENIUS Act, aimed at clarifying stablecoin regulations, is viewed as a boon for issuers like Circle. The legislation enhances oversight while fostering innovation, potentially stabilizing the sector’s growth trajectory. Circle’s compliance with regulatory standards has positioned it favorably in this environment.
Other institutional investors have yet to report similar sales. BlackRock, which acquired a 10% stake in Circle’s IPO, has not disclosed any divestitures. Circle’s CEO, Jeremy Allaire, sold 1.58 million shares, representing 8% of his holdings, as part of the IPO process. Co-founder Sean Neville and CFO Jeremy Fox-Geen offloaded 684,083 and 178,991 shares, respectively, totaling 11% of their stakes.
Market Momentum Persists
Despite ARK’s sell-off, Circle’s stock remains robust, with pre-market trading on June 17 showing a 3.41% uptick to $154.23. The company’s valuation, now exceeding $36 billion, reflects strong investor confidence in its business model, which relies on transaction fees and interest income from USDC reserves. Yahoo Finance reported Circle’s stock as one of the top performers among recent tech IPOs.
The sale has sparked debate among investors about Circle’s valuation. Some view the 400% rally as a signal of over exuberance, while others see potential for further growth if USDC adoption accelerates. Circle’s recent integration of USDC on the XRP Ledger aims to enhance liquidity for institutional users, a move that could drive future revenue.
ARK’s decision to trim its Circle position highlights its disciplined approach to managing gains in volatile markets. The firm’s substantial remaining stake suggests it continues to view stablecoins as a transformative force in finance. As Circle navigates regulatory and competitive landscapes, its ability to sustain momentum will hinge on USDC’s market share and operational efficiency.