Circle Launches Arc: A Stablecoin-Focused Layer-1 Blockchain Poised to Transform Payments and Capital Markets
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Circle Internet Group has unveiled Arc, a new Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible Layer-1 blockchainbuilt specifically for stablecoin finance, signaling a major leap in the evolution of digital asset infrastructure.
What Is Arc?
Native Gas Token: Arc uses USDC as its gas token, eliminating volatile fee mechanisms tied to traditional native tokens.AInvestCointelegraphCrypto Briefing
EVM Compatibility: Developers familiar with Ethereum can seamlessly build on Arc using existing tools and smart contracts.
Enterprise Features:
A built-in FX engine enabling fast, programmatic pricing and settlement between stablecoins.
Sub-second settlement finality underpinned by Arc’s high-performance architecture.AInvestFXStreetCryptoSlate
Opt-in privacy controls and MEV (Maximal Extractable Value) mitigation strategies like encrypted mempools and batch processing.
Strategic Integration & Use Cases
Arc is designed to integrate fully with Circle’s existing services such as the Circle Payments Network (CPN), minting, wallets, and contracts, forming the backbone of a cohesive stablecoin ecosystem.CircleAInvestCrypto Briefing
Use cases include but aren’t limited to:
Cross-border payments and automated FX conversion.CircleCrypto Briefing
On-chain credit and lending leveraging off-chain identity and underwriting.Circle
Capital markets settlement and tokenized collateral handling with real-time delivery-versus-payment.
Programmable finance, agentic commerce, and AI-enabled automated workflows.Circle
Launch Timeline & Network Design
Public testnet launch is planned for fall 2025, with a mainnet beta to follow (potentially in 2026).AInvestCryptoSlateCrypto Briefing
The network features a permissioned Proof-of-Authority governance model, with future support for confidential transfers and planned validator participation expansion.CryptoSlateCrypto Briefing
Context: Q2 Financial Results & Strategic Momentum
Arc’s launch coincided with Circle’s Q2 2025 earnings report, where USDC circulation climbed 90% year-over-year to $61.3B, total revenue reached $658M (a 53% YoY increase), and adjusted EBITDA grew 52% to $126M, despite a net loss of $482M caused by IPO-related non-cash charges.AInvestmarketwatch.comcoindesk.comCointelegraphinvestors.com
CEO Jeremy Allaire described Arc as a “defining moment” for stablecoin adoption and institutional integration.AInvestmarketwatch.com
A Note of Caution: Centralization Concerns
Some critics have raised concerns about Arc’s centralized design, pointing to potential governance risks and the need for decentralized frameworks in the long term.CryptoSlate
Summary Table
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Gas Token | USDC (stable, minimized volatility) |
| Compatibility | EVM-compatible (familiar tooling) |
| Performance | Sub-second finality, high TPS, built-in FX engine |
| Privacy & MEV | Opt-in privacy features, MEV mitigation tools |
| Integration | Full alignment with Circle’s ecosystem (CPN, wallets) |
| Launch Timeline | Public testnet expected fall 2025; mainnet beta later |
| Governance | Permissioned PoA, evolving validator participation |
| Criticism | Concerns about centralization and governance model |
Author : Brian Leclere