Core Insights - Circle Internet Group has acquired Malachite, a high-performance consensus engine, from Informal Systems to support the launch of a new open Layer-1 blockchain network called Arc, specifically designed for stablecoin finance [1][2] - The acquisition is seen as a validation of Malachite and Informal Systems' incubation model, providing a robust financial foundation for future development and meaningful outcomes [2][6] - Circle plans to release the core software for Arc under a permissive open-source license, allowing broader developer community contributions [3] Company Developments - Circle expects Arc to enter private testnet in the coming weeks, followed by a public testnet in the fall [4] - Circle's CEO, Jeremy Allaire, highlighted opportunities for partnerships with major technology firms, payment companies, and financial institutions [5] - Circle reported a 90% year-over-year increase in USDC in circulation, reaching $61.3 billion as of June 30 [6] Strategic Implications - The acquisition aligns with Informal Systems' strategy of accelerating the growth of incubated projects and supports ongoing collaboration on blockchain applications [6] - Arc aims to serve as foundational infrastructure for the internet, enabling seamless global settlement akin to web messaging [3]

Financial Performance - Revenue bump is driven by growth [1] - Saw a 90% year-over-year growth in US DC in circulation on the network [2] - Other revenue grew 250% year-on-year, adding a couple hundred basis points to margins [4] - Adjusted EBIT growth of 52% with a 50% adjusted EBIT margin [4] - In Q2, $6 trillion of transactions occurred on the network, with acceleration into Q3 [12] - Year-to-date growth of 49% as of August 10th [14] Business Strategy & Development - Circle positions itself as an Internet platform and network utility company, providing a full stack for financial institutions to leverage Stablecoin finance [6] - Building an application layer through Circle payments network and announced a new blockchain network ARC [3] - ARC is purpose-built for Stablecoin finance, with transaction fees paid in USDC [6] - Focuses on growing the money stock on the network, with optimistic views of 90% category growth for stablecoins over the next five years [13] - Primarily focused on organic growth and software-powered innovation, but has made three acquisitions this year to augment product development [16][17]

New Product Launch - Grayscale launches Grayscale Story Trust, offering investors exposure to Story network's native token IP [1] - Story is a blockchain network focused on programmable intellectual property [1]