Circle Launches Arc Blockchain with Major Institutional Validators

Circle Internet Group has announced the public mainnet launch of Arc, a Layer 1 blockchain designed for financial markets and real-time money movement. The network features native integration of USDC, with more than $74 billion in circulation, and offers sub-second transaction finality.

Arc launches with over 100 institutional and ecosystem participants live on the network at launch, spanning global banks, asset managers, payment networks, exchanges, and custodians. The founding validator cohort includes major players such as BlackRock, Galaxy, Mastercard, Visa, and Worldpay.

The network supports Circle StableFX for cross-currency settlement and includes integration with Circle Payments Network. Trading infrastructure at launch includes Aero, fomo, and Uniswap, with assets including Circle's USYC money market fund and BUIDL treasury fund.