Circle has entered a new global partnership with crypto exchange OKX to deepen the reach and usage of USDC, its dollar-backed stablecoin. The deal connects Circle directly to OKX’s 60 million global users, allowing the companies to expand USDC liquidity across retail and institutional markets. Announced on July 8, the partnership enables faster and more secure USDC transactions within OKX’s exchange and wallet platforms. That includes OKX’s app, web, and API services, where users will now have native access to USDC for trading, payments, and cross-border transfers. The two companies will also collaborate on building new infrastructure for global settlements using USDC. That includes plans to make USDC a more prominent tool for multi-chain transactions, peer-to-peer transfers, and institutional treasury use. OKX will integrate Circle’s Web3 Services and Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol (CCTP) to improve how users move USDC between blockchain networks. This includes blockchains like Ethereum, Avalanche, and Solana. Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire said the partnership will help bring stablecoin access to new regions where dollar access is limited. He said: “OKX is a preeminent leader in digital asset markets, and by extending USDC’s reach to OKX’s over 60 million global users, we are driving growth in digital asset markets while also building on and integrating with the wide-range of innovative Web3 wallet and payments applications.” OKX CEO Star Xu added that the partnership will make USDC more accessible to its customers and boost its liquidity while ensuring stablecoin adoption for everyday transactions. Xu stated: “Our partnership with Circle is important because it delivers increased liquidity and access for customers to a market-leading stablecoin in USDC.” The integration also brings stablecoin support into OKX Wallet’s Web3 ecosystem. That allows USDC to be used across DApps, staking pools, and decentralized finance tools on multiple chains. Partnership could boost USDC adoption in emerging economies The partnership is part of Circle’s strategy to grow USDC adoption through regulated platforms and trusted payment rails. It also reflects OKX’s move to expand its global offering beyond trading. With this deal, both firms aim to make USDC more usable, liquid, and accessible to tens of millions of users worldwide. For Circle, the partnership could finally allow it to gain access to users in emerging economies where OKX is one of the popular crypto exchanges. The US-based stablecoin issuer has already established itself as more regulatory compliant than its competitor Tether, with US and European Union licenses. This has allowed USDC to gain more traction in these regions compared to its biggest competitor, USDT , which continues to face regulatory scrutiny and even delisting on European exchanges. However, USDT remains the biggest stablecoin with over $150 billion in circulating supply due to its large user base in emerging economies. The new deal, coupled with other partnerships with global exchanges such as Binance, could finally change that. Circle is currently rolling in good fortunes after its highly successful IPO, and its stock CRCL is up more than 500% since its debut. Crypto and traditional finance integration continues The Circle–OKX partnership may fast-track stablecoin use in regulated finance. OKX already supports direct bank transfers in Singapore using local payment networks. It also works with Standard Chartered in the UAE on token-based collateral systems. These efforts show how crypto firms are moving closer to traditional banking tools. Circle brings regulated stablecoin infrastructure, full-reserve backing, and licensed dollar distribution, while OKX offers a large user base and trading volume. With Circle’s Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol in place, USDC can move easily across major blockchains. That makes it more practical for treasury, lending, and settlement in institutional finance. Meanwhile, the partnership could also provide a framework for traditional institutions that are already exploring stablecoins for cross-border payments. By combining Circle’s regulated rails with OKX’s trading flow, the two firms may help bridge that gap. Cryptopolitan Academy: Want to grow your money in 2025? Learn how to do it with DeFi in our upcoming webclass. Save Your Spot
