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Circle launches Arc, a stablecoin-focused layer-1 blockchain
Arc will use USDC for gas, include deterministic finality, and plan a public mainnet launch on September 16, 2026.
Circle, the issuer behind the USDC stablecoin, has introduced Arc, a new layer-1 blockchain built for stablecoin-native finance and applications. Decrypt describes Arc as a purpose-built network intended to address infrastructure challenges that have limited stablecoin adoption at an institutional scale.
According to Decrypt, Arc runs on USDC for transaction fees, includes a built-in FX engine, and offers optional privacy features that can be enabled while aiming to remain compatible with regulatory obligations. Circle also says Arc provides instant and irreversible settlement, known as deterministic finality, and uses predictable fees priced in stablecoins.
Circle expects a public mainnet launch on September 16, 2026, after launching a public testnet in October 2025. Decrypt reports that Circle is running Arc's private mainnet with more than 100 ecosystem and institutional builders.
The article also cites Circle’s view that many existing blockchains were not designed to support stablecoins, noting that Arc is intended to eliminate the need for volatile tokens for gas. Decrypt adds that Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire previously said the testnet had processed more than half a billion transactions across nearly 3 million wallets, and that Arc includes an announced ARC token.