What to Know
USDCx is now live on Canton, fully backed 1:1 by USDC held in Circle’s xReserve.
Enables instant settlement, private payments, and multi-chain workflows without third-party bridges.
Launch comes alongside native USDC on Starknet, expanding secure cross-chain stablecoin access.
Circle has announced the launch of USDCx on the Canton Network, opening a new chapter for stablecoins, cross-chain payments, and instant settlement in institutional markets. The new asset, available through Circle xReserve, gives developers and businesses a fully backed, highly interoperable digital dollar that can move easily across chains without the risks of third-party bridges.
With this launch, Canton becomes the first blockchain connected to Circle xReserve, allowing users to mint USDCx simply by depositing USDC into xReserve on Ethereum.
Easy-to-Move Stablecoin
USDCx is designed for safe and smooth use across different blockchain networks. It is always 1:1 backed by USDC held inside xReserve, which means every USDCx token is supported by real USDC.
USDCx works perfectly with USDC on all supported chains. Circle Gateway and Circle’s Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol (CCTP) make this possible by helping to move USDC safely between networks. This system doesn’t use outside bridges, which is a big reason why hacks and losses happen in the crypto world.
USDCx is a type of digital cash that businesses on Canton can use. It’s easy to move, easy to verify, and safe for institutional-grade operations.
Why Canton Matters
Canton is a Layer 1 blockchain built specifically for financial markets. It focuses on privacy, compliance, and smooth cooperation between multiple organizations that need to transact together.
Canton allows different financial applications—like those for bonds, loans, derivatives, and payments—to connect with one another while keeping sensitive data private. This makes it especially appealing to banks, trading firms, and institutions that require both security and confidentiality.
By adding USDCx, Canton now has a stable digital currency suitable for large-scale financial workflows.
Instant Settlement and Payments
The combination of Canton’s technology and USDCx enables three powerful use cases:
1. Atomic Settlement of Tokenized Assets
Canton supports tokenized real-world assets like bonds, loans, and even wrapped Bitcoin. With USDCx, these assets can settle instantly. Instead of waiting hours or days for a transaction to complete, trades can close on the spot, reducing risk and improving how capital flows.
2. Privacy-Preserving Payments
Canton supports confidential transactions. This means institutions can move money without exposing private financial details. Treasury teams, banks, and large companies can complete compliance-friendly payments using USDCx.
3. Interoperable On-Chain Cash
Canton is now a center for multi-chain activity because USDCx can move across more than 20 blockchains through CCTP. This helps with things like sending money across borders, delivery versus payment (DvP), escrow, and managing institutional liquidity.
USDCx on Canton went live right away, and big names like Bron, Cantor8, CertiK, Cumberland DRW, Dfns, Digital Asset, Hydra X, IMC Trading, QCP, Temple, and others were there to help. These businesses are some of the best market makers, trading firms, and infrastructure providers in the world. This shows that they have a lot of faith in Canton’s growing ecosystem.
More USDC Expansion
Circle recently rolled out native USDC and CCTP on Starknet, a fast, low-cost zk-rollup chain. Starknet plans to become the execution layer for Bitcoin-related financial applications and already supports more than 125 apps across DeFi, gaming, and payments.
With native USDC, Starknet users now get a regulated, fully backed digital dollar, institutional on- and off-ramps through Circle Mint and easy integration for DeFi apps, wallets, and games
CCTP also allows users to send native USDC between Starknet and other chains without bridges, enabling smoother onboarding, trading, and treasury operations. Starknet will slowly guide users from its bridged USDC.e token to the new native USDC version, ensuring a smooth transition.
Final Thoughts
Circle is expanding its stablecoin to ecosystems built for both retail and institutional use by adding USDCx on Canton and native USDC on Starknet. It’s clear what the goal is: safer transfers, better interoperability, and instant settlement without having to rely on risky third-party bridges.
This move makes USDC the digital dollar for both regular people and the global financial markets, which brings crypto one step closer to becoming widely used.
Also Read: Aster Unveils 2026 Roadmap, Outlines Next Phase of Ecosystem Growth
