Circle Unveils Arc Layer-1 Blockchain with USDC as Native Gas Asset

Circle has launched the mainnet of Arc, its layer-1 (L1) blockchain targeting stablecoin payments and financial markets. The network uses USDC as its native gas asset and offers Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility, with deterministic sub-second settlement finality.

Arc supports more than 20 fiat stablecoins, including USDC, EURC, JPYC, KRW1, and TRYB, while tokenized assets such as BlackRock's BUIDL and Circle's USYC are available natively on the network.

Circle's CEO Jeremy Allaire called Arc 'the single most significant launch in Circle's history since USDC itself.' The company plans to broaden participation in network operations and explore a transition from Proof of Authority to Proof of Stake in 2027.