Circle is planning its next big move in crypto. The company behind it $USDC is now working on a new blockchain project called Arc. At a recent “Circle in Seoul” event, Jeremy Allaire shared updates on the project. He said Arc is already running on testnet and could become an important part of Circle’s future.
吴说获悉，Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire 在首尔活动 Circle in Seoul 演讲中提到，Circle 正推进原生网络Arc,目前处于测试网阶段，并探索发行网络代币，用于治理，激励及经济利益对齐，后续希望逐步过渡至PoS Products $USDC 以来，Circle 最重大的平台级战略举措。…
— 吴说区块链 (@wublockchain12) April 14, 2026
He also revealed that Circle is exploring a native token for the network. Although the company may switch to a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) system later. This could be Circle’s biggest move since launch $USDC.
Arc aims to build a new financial layer
Arc is designed as a new kind of blockchain. Circle calls it an ‘economic operating system’. In simple terms, it aims to handle money, contracts and financial services all in one place. The network focuses on practical examples. These include payments, tokenized assets and digital markets.
Unlike many blockchains, Arc is built around stablecoins. $USDC will likely play a key role in the system. For example, it can be used to pay fees on the network. This can help keep costs stable and predictable. This design focuses Arc more on companies and institutions, not just on retail users.
Native Token can power the network
Circle is also exploring the idea of a native token for Arc. This token can be used for various purposes. It can help with governance, allowing users to vote on changes. It can also be used for rewards and incentives, encouraging people to support the network.
Moreover, it can help align the interests of users, developers and partners. This plan is currently still under discussion. But it shows that Circle is thinking about how to grow and manage the network in the long term.
Shift to Proof-of-Stake planned
Another important idea is moving to a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) system. In PoS, users can help secure the network by staking tokens instead of using heavy computing power. This method is often more energy efficient than older systems such as Proof-of-Work. Circle says this shift would happen gradually over time. The goal is to make the network more scalable and efficient. If successful, it could help Arc handle large volumes of activity from global users.
Strong support from major institutions
Arc is not built alone. Circle works with many major partners. Reports say more than 100 institutions are already involved or interested. This includes big names such as BlackRock, HSBC and Visa. This level of support shows Arc’s focus on large-scale adoption. Circle believes that the future of the financial sector will run on these types of blockchain systems.
A long-term vision for digital finance
Circle sees Arc as more than just a blockchain. It sees it as a foundation for the next phase of the Internet. The idea is to create a system where money, contracts and services all work together smoothly.
For the time being, Arc is still testing. But the company hopes to move toward a mainnet launch soon. In simple words: Circle aims big. With Arc, it wants to build a system that supports real-world financing on blockchain. Furthermore, if successful, it could change the way digital money is used in the future.