From Pymnts · PYMNTS · · 1m 20s
Circle launches Arc blockchain for AI agent commerce
The new blockchain targets financial markets and AI-driven transactions, launching with over 100 partners.
In brief
The new blockchain targets financial markets and AI-driven transactions, launching with over 100 partners. Circle's Arc blockchain is purpose-built for AI agents to conduct economic transactions, with USDC already dominating 98.8% of agent-driven transaction volume. Originally reported by Pymnts.
Circle debuts Arc blockchain
Arc is designed for financial markets, real-time money movement and agentic economic activity. It launches with integration into Circle's platform, including USDC.
Most significant launch since USDC
Circle's CEO calls Arc the company's biggest launch in 13 years. It embodies the premise that money should work the way the internet works.
“Arc is the single most significant launch in Circle's history since USDC itself”
First blockchain for AI agents
Arc is built with AI agents as economic actors in mind. Agents already execute trades, manage payments, route liquidity and execute contracts using Circle's products.
USDC dominates agent transactions
USDC makes up 98.8% of agent-driven transaction volume. Since Circle introduced its Agent Stack in May, most agent-to-agent payments settle in USDC.
132 million Americans shop with AI
Nearly half of U.S. adults have made a retail purchase with AI, and 22% now start online retail research using an AI tool.
Consumers cautious about AI buying
Only 24% would let an agent both shop and buy. The market is building toward controlled delegation where agents do the work but consumers set the rules.
“the agent does the work, the consumer sets the rules, a familiar payment provider protects the credential”
The main idea
Circle's Arc blockchain is purpose-built for AI agents to conduct economic transactions, with USDC already dominating 98.8% of agent-driven transaction volume.
