Circle is preparing to expand its USDC stablecoin into roughly 40 emerging and developing countries, as chief executive Jeremy Allaire says blockchain technology is moving into a mainstream phase. The planned push reflects growing demand from individuals and businesses seeking access to internet-based financial activity across several regions.
According to Decrypt, which cited remarks Allaire made to Reuters during the IMF and World Bank meetings in Bangkok, Circle is focusing on opportunities in Southeast Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. The company wants USDC to become available in more digital wallets as stablecoins gain broader use.
USDC’s position in the stablecoin market
Stablecoins are digital assets designed to maintain a stable value by being linked to a traditional asset, most commonly the U.S. dollar. Circle’s USDC currently represents about 25% of the stablecoin market, compared with roughly 60% for Tether’s USDT.
USDC circulation increased 19% year over year to $73.3 billion in the second quarter. Circle’s international expansion plan would give the issuer a larger presence in markets where users and companies are seeking digital-dollar access, although the source material does not provide a timeline for entry into the targeted countries.
Circle has also built financial and commercial resources for the effort. Reuters reported that the company acquired payments firm Tazapay for $400 million and received a $100 million strategic investment from Binance.
Regulation and competition
Circle is seeking to benefit from a more supportive regulatory environment in the United States. The company secured a federal banking charter in July and has also pursued a New York trust charter.
The GENIUS Act, the U.S. stablecoin law, is scheduled to take effect in January. Allaire described the legislation as a “watershed moment,” saying it would provide what he called “legal digital dollars.”
Banks are developing their own stablecoins, but Allaire characterized that activity as healthy competition. His comments suggest Circle sees established financial institutions entering the sector as evidence that stablecoins are moving beyond their earlier, more limited adoption phase.
AI payments add opportunity and risk
Allaire also linked the growth of USDC to artificial-intelligence agents that make small payments between machines. Circle has been promoting USDC as a currency for such AI agents, while its Arc network has been adopted by BlackRock, Visa and Standard Chartered, according to Reuters.
At the same time, Allaire warned that AI could increase security risks for financial infrastructure. He said the issue should be taken seriously as automated systems and digital payments become more closely connected.
Moneyiar market picture
Moneyiar data at 21:48-21:49 on October 17, 2026, showed USDC at $0.9998851568, with a 0% change over both 24 hours and seven days. The STABLE token was $0.0254489473, down 2.86% over 24 hours and 6.6% over seven days. VELO stood at $0.004079228, down 3.06% and 17.44%, respectively, while ARK was $0.1729636318, down 4.27% over 24 hours and 19.83% over seven days.
