Circle Launches Arc L1 Blockchain for Stablecoin Payments and Financial Markets
What happened
Circle launched the public mainnet of Arc, a Layer 1 blockchain designed for stablecoin payments, financial markets, and tokenized assets. Major institutions, including BlackRock, Visa, Mastercard, DTCC, ICE, and Standard Chartered, are joining as validators on the network. Separately, Deutsche Bank plans to introduce a regulated digital-asset custody service in Europe, initially supporting Bitcoin, Ether, USDC, and EURC.
From kitco.com
Why it matters
The launch highlights the growing integration between blockchain infrastructure and traditional financial institutions. The Arc ecosystem offers a relevant, institutionally backed platform for digital asset operations. This institutional adoption accelerates the integration of digital assets into established financial services.
Coinbase is lobbying for favorable Clarity Act legislation, while Circle is building financial infrastructure on the Arc network.
From kitco.com
Who's involved
- ARCThe Layer 1 blockchain infrastructure network conceived and launched by Circle.
- CircleThe peer-to-peer payments technology company that conceived and launched Arc.
- Deutsche BankThe company planning a regulated digital-asset custody service for institutional and corporate clients in Europe.
- BlackRockOne of the major institutions joining the Arc ecosystem as a validator.