Core Insights - Circle is advancing towards the launch of its payments-focused Arc blockchain, with a public testnet now available for over 100 institutional partners [1][5] - The stablecoin market, valued at $300 billion, is increasingly integrated into traditional finance, with projections indicating stablecoins could reach $4 trillion by the end of the decade [3][4] - Arc aims to facilitate various financial services, including tokenized funds and cross-border payments, with features like U.S. dollar-based fees and sub-second settlement [5] Industry Engagement - Major financial institutions such as Visa, HSBC, BlackRock, and Deutsche Bank are participating in the Arc testnet, exploring its potential for enhancing payment infrastructure and capital markets [6][7][8] - The involvement of both traditional finance and digital asset firms highlights a growing interest in blockchain technology for operational efficiencies and transparency in financial transactions [6][8] - Companies like Invesco and Société Générale are specifically testing how Arc can improve the efficiency of tokenized funds and programmable settlement processes [8]
Circle, Issuer of USDC, Starts Testing Arc Blockchain With Big Institutions Onboard