Core Insights - Circle Internet Group, Inc. has launched the public testnet for Arc, an open L1 blockchain network aimed at enhancing economic activity in the onchain ecosystem, with collaboration from over 100 firms in the financial sector [1][2] - Arc is designed for developers and enterprises to create a new Economic Operating System for the internet, promoting programmable financial infrastructure for the digital economy [2][3] Group 1: Features and Use Cases - Arc supports predictable dollar-based fees, sub-second transaction finality, configurable privacy, and direct integration with Circle's platform, catering to various use cases in lending, capital markets, foreign exchange, and international payments [3][4] - The infrastructure of Arc is foundational for capital markets, including equity, fixed income, derivatives, and the necessary clearing and custody systems [3][4] Group 2: Market Engagement - Capital markets companies such as Apollo, BNY, Intercontinental Exchange Inc, and State Street are engaging with Arc, alongside retail and institutional banks, asset managers, and insurers [4] - Opportunities in payments, lending, asset issuance, and capital markets are expanding onchain, with notable banks and asset managers like BlackRock Inc., Deutsche Bank, and others participating [5] Group 3: Technological Integration - Arc enables a general-purpose Economic OS that facilitates payment utility for individuals, businesses, and institutions, and supports the development of autonomous agent systems for real-time value exchange [5] - Various technology and payment-focused companies, including Amazon Web Services and Cloudflare, are collaborating with Arc to enhance its capabilities [5] Group 4: Stablecoin Infrastructure - Arc provides essential infrastructure for issuers of fiat-based stablecoins, tokenized equities, and money market funds, with a roadmap for stablecoins to be used for gas fees and FX liquidity [6] - Digital asset issuers from multiple countries, including Australia, Brazil, and Japan, are joining Arc for the testnet, showcasing its international appeal [6] Group 5: Stakeholder Engagement - Circle is actively engaging stablecoin issuers and stakeholders to bring various digital assets onto the Arc platform, enhancing its ecosystem [7]