USDC issuer Circle to launch new layer-1 Arc blockchain this year

USDC issuer Circle has introduced its own layer-1 blockchain, Arc, as its stablecoin grew 90% year-over-year in Q2 2025.

Circle, a publicly traded US company and the issuer of USDC stablecoin, said it will launch its own layer-1 (L1) blockchain compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) later this year.

The company released its second-quarter results on Tuesday and announced the introduction of Arc, a new network designed to offer an “enterprise-grade foundation” for stablecoin payments, foreign exchange and capital markets applications.

Expected to launch in public testnet this fall, Circle’s Arc will feature USDC (USDC) as its native gas token, enabling users to pay transaction fees on the new network with the stablecoin.

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