Circle Expands USDC to OKX's X Layer with Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol

Circle has expanded its stablecoin USDC to OKX's Ethereum layer-2 network called X Layer, allowing users and developers to access native USDC without relying on bridged tokens.

The integration brings USDC to 36 blockchains through the Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol (CCTP), which enables seamless transfers between supported networks. CCTP works by burning USDC on the source chain and minting an equivalent amount on the destination chain, eliminating the need for wrapped assets or conventional liquidity pools.

This move strengthens USDC's role as infrastructure for cross-chain payments, DeFi, trading, and automated transactions involving AI agents. The integration comes after OKX Europe introduced a feature allowing users to convert Tether's USDT into Circle's USDC due to the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulations.