Circle, the company behind USDC, the world’s second-largest stablecoin, has announced its plans to expand into at least 50 emerging and developing markets as demand for digital dollars grows.
In an interview on Friday, Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire said, “We’re kind of going through an inflection point…a transition right now. That transition is essentially moving from the early adopter phase of blockchain technology into the mainstream scaling phase.”
Allaire also said clearer regulations, including the U.S. GENIUS Act governing stablecoins, are encouraging wider adoption.
“There’s a very, very long time where the banking industry fought successfully to keep other people out, and I think they are no longer in charge, and the innovators are having their day.”
In the interview, Allaire also highlighted the growing use of USDC by AI agents—software programs that can independently make small payments for information and online services.
Allaire also highlighted the increasing use of USDC by artificial intelligence agents—software programs capable of independently making small payments for information and online services.
The expansion comes as stablecoins extend beyond crypto trading into everyday payments and international money transfers.
The push follows Circle’s agreement to acquire Singapore-based payments firm Tazapay for $400 million, giving it access to local banking and payment networks across more than 100 markets. The transaction could help Circle expand into countries where Tether’s USDT has traditionally held a dominant position.
The company has also launched its own blockchain, Arc, designed for payments and financial transactions, and received approval in July to operate a U.S. federal trust bank.
As of Friday, Circle’s USDC has about $72.6 billion in circulation.
By CEO NA Editorial Staff
