ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)

Binance has invested $100 million in Circle Internet Group as the two companies expanded their strategic partnership under a new five-year commercial agreement focused on increasing the use of the USDC stablecoin globally, particularly in emerging markets.

Under the agreement, Binance will increase the promotion, awareness and integration of USDC across its platform, while Circle will provide infrastructure services supporting the holding and use of the stablecoin, according to a joint statement.

Binance made the equity investment through a private placement of Circle's Class A common stock at a purchase price reflecting a 5% discount to the market price of Circle shares before closing. Binance has agreed not to transfer the shares for up to two years from the closing date, subject to customary exceptions.

USDC is a US dollar-denominated stablecoin issued by Circle. The companies said the expanded partnership is intended to increase access to the digital currency and related financial services across emerging markets.

“Together, we see incredible opportunities to leverage USDC to expand dollar access, support savings and investment with innovative digital asset products, and reach people and businesses throughout global emerging markets,” Jeremy Allaire, Co-founder, Chairman and CEO of Circle, said.

Circle, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, operates blockchain infrastructure, digital assets and payment applications. Its platform includes USDC, the Circle Payments Network for global money movement and Arc, an enterprise-grade blockchain.

Richard Teng, co-CEO of Binance, said the investment and five-year agreement represented a long-term commitment to the partnership.

“Circle has earned its place as one of the most credible issuers in the world, spanning USDC, Arc, and the infrastructure reshaping how value moves across borders. Our $100 million investment and five-year commitment represent long-duration conviction,” Teng said.

“We are helping to build a more inclusive, transparent, and compliant digital economy. A stable, trusted digital dollar should not be a privilege — it should be available to anyone with a phone,” he added.

Binance operates a global cryptocurrency exchange and has more than 300 million users across more than 100 countries.