Circle Launches Testnet for Arc Blockchain with Key Partners

Circle has launched a public testnet for its Arc blockchain, involving over 100 financial entities including Visa and HSBC, aiming at advancing stablecoin-focused financial applications.

Arc’s launch signals potential shifts in stablecoin transactions, highlighting institutional engagement and setting the stage for broader adoption of blockchain in finance.

Circle Engages Financial Giants with Arc Debut

Circle’s introduction of Arc represents a crucial development in the blockchain landscape, showcasing an open Layer-1 blockchain designed for stablecoin financial applications. Engaging over 100 institutions indicates major commitment from financial players such as Visa and BlackRock. The use of USDC as a native gas enhances the blockchain’s transactional functionality.

Anticipated benefits include enhanced payment efficiency and increased stablecoin utility, potentially altering the financial ecosystem landscape. Through Arc, new pathways for stablecoins in global transactions are established, promoting frictionless cross-border exchanges of value.

Market stakeholders have largely reacted positively, viewing the involvement of prominent institutions as a sign of confidence. While no public reactions have been documented from major crypto leaders, Circle’s CEO Jeremy Allaire expressed:

“Today, we’re proud to introduce Arc, a new open Layer-1 blockchain designed from the ground up to serve the next era of stablecoin-native financial applications.” — Circle Official Blog

USDC on Arc: Stablecoin’s Role in Transformative Finance

Did you know? USDC’s introduction as Arc’s native gas token aligns it with historical trends of stablecoins gaining prominence in major blockchain solutions, similar to how Ethereum has leveraged its platform for various token utilities.

As of October 28, 2025, USDC trades at $1.00 with a market cap of $76.21 billion. Maintaining a market dominance of 1.97%, its 24-hour trading volume reached $15.8 billion, reflecting a growth of 4.36%. Price stability is evident with marginal fluctuations over recent months, according to CoinMarketCap.

The Coincu research team indicates that Arc’s utilization could inspire regulatory interest, as the intersection of traditional and decentralized finance draws scrutiny. Historically, stablecoin adoption has propagated further integration of blockchain in mainstream finance, underscoring Arc’s potential as a transformative financial tool.