Circle has executed the public mainnet launch of Arc, an open Layer 1 blockchain specifically engineered for financial markets, real-time money movement, and AI-driven economic activity. The new platform debuts with native integration into Circle’s full-stack infrastructure, which features the USDC stablecoin.
Arc distinguishes itself from traditional blockchains through several core design choices intended to power mainstream on-chain finance. Notably, network transaction fees are paid directly in USDC rather than a volatile native token. The blockchain also features instant, sub-second finality, opt-in privacy controls for confidential balances, and post-quantum cryptographic signatures.
Furthermore, it is uniquely built from genesis to support AI agents acting as economic entities, building on the Circle Agent Stack where USDC already commands 98.8% of agent-driven transaction volume.
To secure and operate the network, Circle has assembled a founding validator cohort composed of a number of influential entities in global finance. The lineup includes BlackRock, DTCC, Galaxy Digital, ICE, Mastercard, MoneyGram, SBI Group, Standard Chartered, Sumitomo Corporation, Visa and Worldpay.
Rather than merely connecting to the platform, these institutions will actively participate in the network’s deterministic consensus, ensuring Arc meets rigorous institutional security and regulatory standards from day one.
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