Circle launches the Arc blockchain, USDC will become the native Gas

According to reports, Circle has announced the launch of Arc, an open-source Layer-1 blockchain designed specifically for stablecoin financial application scenarios, using USDC as the native Gas. Arc supports low-cost and predictable dollar-denominated transaction fees, with a built-in institutional-grade foreign exchange engine, enabling 24/7 automatic settlement of stablecoins. It utilizes the Malachite high-performance consensus mechanism, providing sub-second finality and optional privacy protection. Arc is EVM compatible and aims to support applications such as cross-border payments, stablecoin derivatives, on-chain trust, and capital market settlements. The blockchain is scheduled for public testing this fall, with an expected mainnet launch in 2026.