Circle launches Arc blockchain with BlackRock, Visa as founding validators

Circle launched its Arc layer-1 blockchain on September 16, 2026, with major financial institutions including BlackRock, Visa, Mastercard, and DTCC serving as founding validators. The network, designed for payments, tokenized assets, and institutional finance, went live on its public mainnet with USDC-denominated gas fees and sub-second finality. The launch marks a significant step for Circle, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin, as it expands beyond stablecoin distribution into building a dedicated blockchain ecosystem. CEO Jeremy Allaire described the launch as "the most consequential major platform launch in our history, and I think an even more consequential launch than USDC itself." Arc launched with more than 100 institutional and ecosystem builders, along with over 100 applications. Founding validators include BlackRock, DTCC, Intercontinental Exchange, Mastercard, Standard Chartered, and Visa. The network uses a permissioned Proof-of-Authority validator set, with Circle stating it is exploring a transition to proof of stake in 2027.