Circle

Circle Internet Financial Ltd. is a global financial technology firm specializing in digital currency innovation and open financial infrastructure. Founded in 2013 by Jeremy Allaire and Sean Neville, the company is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. Circle is renowned for issuing USDC, a stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar, facilitating seamless transactions across various blockchain networks. 

Products and Services

Circle offers a suite of products and services designed to bridge traditional finance and blockchain technology:

• USDC and EURC: Stablecoins that maintain a 1:1 peg with their respective fiat currencies, providing seamless cross-border transactions and financial stability.
• Web3 Services: Infrastructure for businesses and developers to integrate blockchain-based payments and applications, including programmable wallets and smart contract capabilities.
• Treasury and Payments Solutions: Tools for businesses to mint, redeem, and manage USDC and EURC for settlements, payroll, and other financial operations.

Recent Developments

In January 2025, Circle announced the acquisition of Hashnote, the issuer of USYC, a leading tokenized treasury and money market fund. This strategic move aims to enhance Circle’s offerings in the digital asset space. 

Additionally, Circle has partnered with Grab to pilot Web3 customer experiences in Singapore, integrating Circle’s Web3 Services platform into the Grab app. This collaboration seeks to expand the adoption of digital currencies in everyday transactions. 

Regulatory Compliance

Circle operates under stringent regulatory oversight and has taken significant steps to ensure compliance with global financial regulations:•

• MiCA Compliance in the European Union: In July 2024, Circle became the first global stablecoin issuer to fully comply with the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulatory framework in the EU. The company obtained an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license from France’s Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR), ensuring that USDC and EURC meet the legal requirements for stablecoins in the European market.
• U.S. Regulatory Approvals: Circle holds money transmitter licenses in 49 U.S. states, along with Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, complying with financial regulations for digital asset operations.
• Singapore Licensing: In 2023, Circle received a Major Payment Institution (MPI) license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), allowing it to offer digital payment token services and cross-border money transfers in the region.

Recent Developments

• In January 2025, Circle announced the acquisition of Hashnote, the issuer of USYC, a tokenized treasury and money market fund, expanding its presence in regulated digital assets.
• Partnership with Grab: Circle has integrated its Web3 Services platform into the Grab app in Singapore, allowing users to experience blockchain-based payments and loyalty programs.

Future Outlook

Circle continues to innovate at the intersection of traditional finance and blockchain technology, aiming to create a more open and inclusive financial system. The company’s initiatives in stablecoin development, Web3 services, and strategic partnerships position it as a key player in the evolving digital economy.