Circle’s Arc Could Be the Breakthrough Blockchain Has Been Waiting For

Circle, the company behind the USD Coin (USDC) stablecoin, has unveiled Arc, an open Layer 1 blockchain designed specifically for stablecoin finance. This move isn’t just another blockchain launch — it’s a signal that crypto infrastructure is maturing and evolving toward real-world use cases that matter: payments, tokenisation, and global financial connectivity.

 

A Layer 1 Built for the Real Economy

Arc is engineered from the ground up to power stablecoin transactions and on-chain finance with speed, predictability, and regulatory readiness.

Here’s what makes it stand out:

• USDC as gas: Arc uses USDC as its native gas token, so fees are stable and predictable. No more dealing with volatile gas prices in native tokens.

• EVM compatible: Developers can build using familiar Ethereum tools, making migration and integration easy.

• Enterprise ready: Arc offers sub-second settlement times, privacy-optional transactions, and infrastructure that supports large-scale, compliant use cases.

• On-chain FX and settlement: A built-in foreign exchange engine enables seamless conversion between stablecoins and tokenised assets.

In essence, Arc aims to serve as the “settlement layer” for digital dollars, tokenised securities, and other real-world assets. This is where blockchain moves from speculation to real utility.

 

Institutions Are Paying Attention

Arc isn’t launching into a vacuum — it’s already attracting interest from some of the biggest names in finance and technology. BlackRock, Visa, and Anthropic are reportedly participating in its public testnet, and over 100 institutions are expected to onboard through Circle’s ecosystem.

The blockchain will also launch with Fireblocks support from day one, giving banks, asset managers, and fintechs enterprise-grade custody and tokenisation tools immediately.

This level of institutional engagement marks an important milestone for crypto. For years, traditional finance has tested blockchain in controlled pilots. Now, with Arc, we’re seeing real deployment at scale.

 

The Next Step in Stablecoin Evolution

Stablecoins are becoming the bridge between traditional finance and crypto. USDC alone has grown more than 90 percent year over year, reaching over 61 billion dollars in circulation.

Arc positions Circle to lead the next phase of that growth. Instead of depending solely on third-party chains, Circle is building a dedicated network optimised for compliance, speed, and interoperability. By doing this, Circle strengthens the entire crypto ecosystem — offering a foundation for payments, DeFi, and tokenised assets that regulators and enterprises can trust.

This is exactly the kind of infrastructure crypto has needed to move beyond speculation and into mainstream adoption.

 

Why Arc Matters for the Blockchain Industry

Arc represents a clear vote of confidence in blockchain’s long-term potential. It shows that crypto companies are not just launching new tokens or apps — they’re building the next-generation financial rails.

A growing number of global financial and technology leaders are exploring Arc, Circle’s new blockchain network. Traditional finance heavyweights such as State Street, Deutsche Bank, Invesco, and Société Générale are among the participants, alongside digital asset pioneers like Coinbase and Kraken, fintech innovators Nuvei and Brex, and global tech providers AWS and Mastercard.

Visa is using the Arc testnet to explore how stablecoin-backed payment infrastructure could accelerate cross-border money movement. BlackRock’s head of digital assets, Robert Mitchnick, said the firm is examining how Arc’s built-in support for stablecoin settlement and on-chain FX could “unlock additional utility” for capital markets.

Invesco is studying how blockchain can make tokenized funds more efficient, while Société Générale is testing programmable settlement and enhanced transparency for cross-border capital flows. HSBC, one of the world’s largest banks, is assessing Arc’s potential to deliver faster and more transparent international payments.

 

State Street is focused on digital asset custody integrations, and SBI Holdings is evaluating how regulated financial services might extend into on-chain environments. Deutsche Bank, Standard Chartered, and First Abu Dhabi Bank are also participating, highlighting the growing interest from major global banking networks in blockchain-based settlement infrastructure.

 

A Positive Signal for Crypto’s Future

Yes, there are risks. Governance, adoption, and regulatory clarity will shape Arc’s success. But the overall direction is undeniably positive.

Circle’s decision to build Arc demonstrates confidence in blockchain’s staying power. It’s a statement that crypto isn’t just here to disrupt — it’s here to rebuild finance from the ground up, better, faster, and more connected than ever.

 

Final Take

Arc could mark the beginning of a new chapter for blockchain. By combining stablecoin stability, institutional trust, and modern chain design, Circle is creating a system that brings crypto closer to the real economy.

 

If Arc’s testnet launch in fall 2025 delivers on its promise, it won’t just be a milestone for Circle — it will be a breakthrough moment for the entire blockchain and crypto industry.

 

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Coinbase and Citi Join Forces to Advance Stablecoin Payments for Institutions

A new chapter in institutional digital asset adoption and payment innovation

In a significant step for the convergence of traditional finance and crypto, Citigroup and Coinbase have partnered to explore digital payment solutions using stablecoins and blockchain infrastructure for Citi’s corporate and institutional clients. This collaboration highlights how digital assets are shifting from speculative use to becoming core financial tools.

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What’s Happening

Citigroup and Coinbase are working together to develop digital asset payment capabilities for Citi’s institutional clients. The initiative focuses on simplifying fiat-to-crypto conversions, enabling payouts through stablecoins, and supporting faster, cheaper cross-border transactions using blockchain technology.

For Coinbase, this partnership represents another step in its expansion beyond retail crypto trading into enterprise-grade financial infrastructure. For Citi, it reflects an ongoing commitment to digital innovation, with efforts in stablecoin issuance, tokenized deposits, and blockchain settlement systems.

This partnership is not just about crypto payments. It is about transforming how large financial institutions handle liquidity, treasury operations, and settlement in a global economy that increasingly values speed and transparency.

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Why This Matters

1. Digital Assets Move Toward the Financial Mainstream

Just a few years ago, most major banks treated digital assets cautiously. Now, one of the world’s largest banks is partnering with a leading crypto exchange to bring stablecoins into its payments network. This shows that digital assets are maturing into real financial infrastructure.

2. Stablecoins Gain Institutional Utility

Stablecoins are evolving beyond their original use in trading and DeFi. They are now being used for corporate payments, treasury management, and international settlements. Citi and Coinbase are helping push this transition, turning stablecoins into practical tools for global finance.

3. Payment Systems Get a Modern Upgrade

Traditional payment networks can be slow and expensive, often operating only during business hours. Stablecoin transactions on blockchain networks are fast, borderless, and available 24/7. For institutions, that means better liquidity management and reduced friction in cross-border transactions.

4. Banks Are Embracing Partnerships Over Isolation

Rather than developing everything internally, banks like Citi are forming partnerships with crypto-native firms that already understand blockchain technology and digital infrastructure. This approach combines the scale and regulatory experience of traditional banks with the innovation and speed of crypto companies.

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The Bigger Picture: Why Now

Several industry and regulatory trends make this collaboration especially timely:

• Regulatory Clarity: Governments and financial authorities are providing more defined frameworks for stablecoins, making it easier for banks to adopt them responsibly.

• Stablecoin Growth: Industry research suggests that stablecoins could become a multi-trillion-dollar asset class by the end of the decade, transforming how global businesses move money.

• Pressure to Innovate: Legacy payment systems are under increasing pressure to modernize. Banks that adopt blockchain rails early will have a competitive advantage in speed and cost efficiency.

• Partnership-Driven Innovation: The financial world is realizing that collaboration with crypto-native companies is faster and more efficient than building new systems alone.

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Challenges and What to Watch

While the partnership is promising, several challenges lie ahead:

• Scalability: Turning small pilot projects into large-scale enterprise systems will require significant integration with existing banking infrastructure.

• Compliance: Even with clearer regulations, stablecoin payments must meet strict requirements for anti-money-laundering controls, reserves, and audits.

• Revenue Impact: If blockchain-based payments significantly reduce transaction costs, banks will need to rethink existing fee structures and profit models.

• Interoperability: Connecting blockchain rails with legacy systems introduces technical and security complexities that must be addressed.

• Global Consistency: Citi operates across many jurisdictions, and stablecoin adoption depends on how each region’s regulators treat digital assets.

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The Future of Institutional Payments

The collaboration between Coinbase and Citi marks an important moment in the evolution of digital payments and finance. Stablecoins are no longer just a crypto experiment. They are being recognized as real financial instruments that can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and streamline settlement for global institutions.

This partnership shows the growing alignment between traditional finance and decentralized technology. As more banks and crypto platforms work together, the boundaries between the two worlds are fading. The next era of payments may be powered by stablecoins and tokenized assets, operating on blockchain rails that never sleep.

 

If successful, the Coinbase–Citi partnership could pave the way for faster global payments, smarter liquidity management, and a more inclusive financial system. The message is clear: the future of money is programmable, and institutions are already laying the groundwork to make it real.

 

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Stay Connected

You can stay up to date on all News, Events, and Marketing of Rare Network, including Rare Evo: America’s Premier Blockchain Conference, happening  July 28th-31st, 2026 at The ARIA Resort & Casino, by following our socials on X, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

Tether Targets 100 Million Americans with New USAT Stablecoin Launch

Tether, the company behind the world’s largest stablecoin, is preparing for one of its most ambitious moves yet. The firm plans to launch USAT, a new U.S.-focused stablecoin, in December 2025, with a goal of reaching 100 million American users.

This represents a major shift in Tether’s strategy. The company is moving from global dominance to deep domestic integration, positioning itself to compete directly in the regulated U.S. financial landscape.

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A Regulated Stablecoin for the U.S. Market

USAT will be a dollar-pegged stablecoin issued through a U.S.-based entity known as Tether America, developed in partnership with Anchorage Digital. The token will comply with new federal rules governing stablecoins under the recently approved GENIUS Act.

Tether says USAT will be fully backed and independently audited, with transparency and reserve management as top priorities. The product aims to serve not only crypto-native users but also the millions of Americans entering digital payments for the first time.

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Expanding Through Partnerships and Platforms

To reach its ambitious 100 million user target, Tether is expanding into the creator economy and consumer platforms. The company has already invested in Rumble, a U.S. video platform with over 50 million monthly users, suggesting that integration and distribution partnerships will play a key role in adoption.

This outreach shows Tether’s intent to move beyond crypto exchanges and into mainstream financial and social platforms. The strategy blends regulatory alignment with mass-market reach, a combination that could redefine how stablecoins enter daily life.

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Competing in a Growing Market

With USAT, Tether will compete directly with other major U.S. stablecoins such as USDC and PayPal USD. Unlike USDT, which dominates global markets, USAT is designed specifically for American consumers and institutions operating under U.S. financial oversight.

Analysts suggest this could allow Tether to capture both institutional trust and retail adoption. The focus on compliance and open auditing might also give it an advantage with regulators and payment partners.

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Why It Matters

Tether’s move comes at a time when stablecoins are being recognized as core infrastructure for digital finance. By aligning with U.S. law, Tether is signaling confidence in the regulatory environment and a willingness to help shape its evolution.

If successful, USAT could become a gateway for traditional finance, fintech, and creators to access digital payments at scale. It also sets a new benchmark for transparency and compliance, potentially reshaping how stablecoins operate worldwide.

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What Comes Next

• Launch and Accessibility: USAT is expected to roll out in December across exchanges, wallets, and select consumer platforms.

• Audits and Reserves: Investors will watch for regular public audits to verify Tether’s commitment to compliance.

• Integration and Adoption: Partnerships in content, commerce, and fintech could drive rapid U.S. user growth.

• Industry Response: Competing stablecoin issuers are likely to adjust strategies to maintain market share.

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Final Thoughts

Tether’s upcoming USAT stablecoin launch represents a turning point for digital finance in the United States. The company is aiming to merge global liquidity with local regulation, creating a bridge between blockchain innovation and traditional banking.

Reaching 100 million users is an ambitious target, but Tether’s combination of brand power, compliance, and strategic partnerships gives it a strong foundation.

 

The message is clear: the next era of stablecoins will not only be global, it will be regulated, transparent, and built for everyday use.

 

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