Aptos Network Integrates Circle's USDC and Stripe Support, Boosting DeFi Interoperability and Payment Solutions

The Aptos Foundation has some exciting news. They’re integrating Circle’s USDC and the cross-chain transfer protocol (CCTP) into the Aptos Network. Plus, Stripe is adding support for Aptos in its crypto products. This is a big step forward for decentralized finance (DeFi) on Aptos.

With these changes, Aptos is positioning itself as a leading platform for interoperable DeFi. It’s becoming known as one of the fastest, most affordable, and reliable enterprise-grade blockchains. This will greatly enhance its global financial ecosystem.

The integration with Stripe means that users will have reliable ways to convert fiat to crypto and vice versa. It streamlines payments for merchants, making it easier to connect traditional finance with blockchain technology.

USDC is currently the largest regulated dollar-backed stablecoin, with over $37 billion in circulation. On the Aptos Network, bridged USDC accounts for more than $160 million, making it the most popular stablecoin available.

Thanks to this integration, native USDC will be issued directly on the Aptos network through Circle’s regulated entities. The CCTP will allow developers to create cross-chain experiences, linking their Aptos apps to other supported blockchains.

Bridge providers like Stargate, which operates on LayerZero, will help transition from the existing bridged USDC on Aptos to native USDC over time. The AptosBridge will continue to function normally without any immediate changes.

Before the launch of native USDC, bridged USDC will be renamed ‘lzUSDC’ on block explorers. There will also be outreach to ecosystem apps to encourage similar updates in their user interfaces.

The launch of CCTP will enhance interoperability within DeFi on Aptos. It will enable secure and efficient transfers of native USDC. With Aptos included, CCTP will support nine blockchains, including Arbitrum, Base, Ethereum, and Solana, providing 72 routes with one-to-one capital efficiency.

This means seamless onboarding, swaps, purchases, and more—all while keeping the user experience simple and intuitive.

With Aptos integrated into Stripe’s crypto products, users can easily convert fiat currencies into USDC through Aptos-enabled wallets. This opens up the possibility of using USDC across Stripe’s global network of businesses.

The combination of Stripe’s payment tools and Aptos’ scalable network creates new opportunities. Merchants and payment providers can process transactions faster, more securely, and at lower costs.

John Egan, head of crypto at Stripe, noted that adding support for Aptos broadens access for consumers and merchants. This collaboration brings together Stripe’s global network and the power of the Aptos blockchain, paving the way for efficient, stablecoin-based payments.

Nikhil Chandhok, chief product officer at Circle, shared that the DeFi ecosystem on Aptos has grown five times in the past year. He emphasized that Aptos is an efficient way to move money globally. The arrival of native USDC and CCTP will further enhance this vision.

Bashar Lazaar, head of grants and ecosystem at Aptos Foundation, stated that USDC and CCTP set the standard in DeFi. He acknowledged Stripe as a trusted name in financial infrastructure. Their integration with Circle and Aptos marks a significant step toward a more accessible, secure, and decentralized financial future.

Mo Shaikh, CEO of Aptos Labs, expressed that Aptos aims to make the global economy accessible. It simplifies the movement of economic value. He looks forward to Aptos becoming a unifying force in the global economy, enhancing payment efficiency and enabling peer-to-peer transactions.