Circle has announced plans to enter approximately 40 emerging and developing markets, as reported by AMBCrypto. CEO Jeremy Allaire identified Southeast Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East as regions where he sees rising organic demand for stablecoins. According to AMBCrypto, this expansion comes as USDC processed over $36 trillion in on-chain transaction value and captured 77% of total stablecoin transaction volumes in June, up from 60% at the same time last year. The company's USDC market cap rose by $3 billion in Q3 while USDT market value decreased by half a percent, demonstrating increasing dominance of USDC in the stablecoin market.
Circle's existing payment infrastructure shows significant growth momentum. As reported by CoinDesk, Circle Payments Network had 175 enrolled financial institutions at the end of June, representing a 25% increase from the previous quarter. The network processed $14.7 billion in annualized transaction volume based on the trailing 30 days, up 76% from the previous quarter. However, the company has not published a common definition linking its stated availability in more than 185 countries with the 40-market target, creating potential confusion about newly accessible payment markets.
Circle's second-quarter financial results demonstrate the revenue potential of its stablecoin operations. As reported by CoinDesk, the company generated $668 million in reserve income, up 5% from the previous year, while average USDC circulation rose 25%. Other revenue reached $34 million, up 41%, including subscription and service businesses. The company reported $701 million in total revenue and reserve income for the quarter. Circle's USDC circulating supply stands at about $72.6 billion, giving it roughly a 25% share of the stablecoin market, as reported by CoinDesk. Circle allocated around $1.4 billion in revenue in the first half of 2026, with $819 million going towards USDC distribution partners and transaction costs, and $473 million invested in infrastructure, compliance, and product development.
Circle's pending acquisition of Singapore-based Tazapay could significantly expand its payment capabilities. According to CoinDesk, Tazapay has local payout rails in more than 100 markets and partnerships with more than 60 banking and fintech partners. The $400 million stock deal is expected to close in 2027, subject to Singapore regulatory approval. The acquisition will support Circle's overseas expansion and improve access to USDC in regions where USDT has a stronger foothold, as reported by CoinDesk.
Circle has launched Arc, its own blockchain focused on payments and financial transactions, and secured approval in July to establish a U.S. federal trust bank as part of broader financial infrastructure development. Allaire noted that clearer regulation, including the U.S. stablecoin bill known as the GENIUS Act, is helping accelerate adoption of related services. He also expressed a positive view of banks developing their own digital currencies, stating that innovative companies are getting opportunities that were previously blocked by the banking industry. Additionally, Allaire highlighted increasing use of USDC by artificial intelligence agents as AI agents make small autonomous payments while accessing online information and services, with stablecoins emerging as a new source of demand.
