🚀 Circle Unveils Arc: The USDC-Powered Layer-1 Coming in 2025
Circle, the issuer behind USDC, is taking stablecoin infrastructure to the next level with Arc — a new, EVM-compatible Layer-1 blockchain purpose-built for stablecoin finance.
🔑 Key Features:
Native Gas: USDC will power transactions directly.
Ultra-Fast: Sub-second settlement finality via the Malachite consensus engine.
Built-In FX: Stablecoin exchange engine for seamless cross-border value transfer.
Privacy Optional: Enterprise-grade tools with confidentiality when needed.
Interoperable: Designed to connect with partner blockchains and Circle’s ecosystem.
📅 Timeline:
Public Testnet: Fall 2025
Mainnet Beta: 2026
This comes as Circle posts 53% YoY revenue growth in Q2 2025 and sees USDC circulation surge 90% to over $65B.
💡 Why it matters:
Arc could reshape how stablecoins are used, from payments and FX to capital markets, creating a high-performance foundation for global on-chain finance.
