Circle, the company behind the USDC stablecoin, has revised its IPO filing to reflect stronger-than-expected investor demand, according to a June 2 filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The updated filing shows Circle now plans to issue 32 million Class A shares, up from the previously announced 24 million. It also raised […]
The post Circle boosts IPO amid strong investor interest, eyes $7.2B valuation appeared first on CryptoSlate.
Circle raises its IPO share count and price range as strong investor demand fuels interest.
The collaboration will power atomic settlement of tokenized stocks, bonds and funds on 21X’s regulated trading platform.
Analytics specialist Artemis, assisted by VC firms Dragonfly and Castle Island Ventures, looked at data from 31 stablecoin payment companies.
Circle filed for an initial public offering on Tuesday.
Circle, the USDC stablecoin issuer, has filed to go public under the ticker “CRCL” through an initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), according to a May 27 announcement. The firm plans to offer 24 million shares of Class A common stock as part of the listing. Circle will directly issue 9.6 […]
The post USDC issuer Circle seeks IPO under ‘CRCL’ with Goldman, JPMorgan support appeared first on CryptoSlate.
The company's shares will trade under the ticker "CRCL."
The stablecoin issuer took part in informal talks over a potential sale from which it was seeking at least $5 billion.
Following the XRP price’s stellar performance in the current bull cycle, a crypto analyst has now predicted that the value of the third-largest cryptocurrency could soon soar to $10 or more in 2025. This bullish projection is backed by several key factors expected to drive strong demand and boost global adoption. Factors That Could Push XRP Price To $10 Unlike past cycles, when XRP pumped toward the tail end of the bull market, this time, it has emerged as one of the top-performing altcoins early on. Expanding on this impressive performance, X (formerly Twitter) crypto analyst and XRP supporter Edo Farina has shared a video analysis of the cryptocurrency, predicting the token’s potential price outlook and outlining different factors that could drive this surge. Related Reading: Analyst Says These Factors Will Drive XRP Price To $1,000, But What Does Market Cap Say? The analyst has highlighted the influence of Bitcoin Dominance (BTC.D), which he sees as a critical indicator for altcoin movements. According to him, BTC.D currently remains relatively high. However, historically, the dominance dropped from 40% to 30%, marking the onset of the altcoin season. This expected drop in Bitcoin’s Dominance could serve as the trigger for a broader altcoin market breakout, positioning the XRP price for a potential 4X rally from current levels. According to Farina, a 4X jump from $2.39 could easily propel XRP toward the $10 mark. Key to this optimism and bullish outlook is the recent resolution of the lawsuit between the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Ripple. With legal battles seemingly behind it, XRP is no longer classified as a security in the US, giving Ripple the green light to offer the token to financial institutions. Farina has suggested that this newfound regulatory clarity is expected to bolster investor confidence and lay the groundwork for global adoption. Achieving a $10 price point will also require more than a shift in market sentiment. Farina explains that it will depend heavily on XRP’s integration into the global financial system. The analyst argues that XRP must become the cornerstone, especially in cross-border payments and Real World Asset (RWA) tokenization. Ripple has already taken significant steps in this direction, reportedly playing a role in the roll-out of the digital Euro. Ripple is also making strategic acquisitions, such as its acquisition of Hidden Road and the potential purchase of Circle, which could exponentially expand its influence in traditional finance. The analyst further notes that the possible launch of XRP ETFs could significantly impact the token’s price dynamics. If approved by the SEC and more ETFs hit the market, investor demand is expected to skyrocket, potentially driving prices toward or even beyond $10 in 2025. How Much Will 1,000 XRP Be Worth In 2025? In his analysis, Farina estimated how much 1,000 XRP could be worth in 2025 if its price surges to $10 and above. At $10, a modest holding of 1,000 XRP would be worth $10,000. Related Reading: XRP Price Still On Bullish Path To $5 As Long As This Level Holds If financial adoption accelerates as Farina projects, XRP could climb well beyond $10, potentially reaching $100. In that scenario, a 1,000 XRP bag could soar to $100,000 profit, potentially offering life-changing returns for long-term investors. Featured image from Getty Images, chart from Tradingview.com
Why are refunds important in stablecoin payments? Anyone who has used traditional payment systems will likely be familiar with refunds and chargebacks. If a purchase goes wrong, like receiving damaged items or not receiving the product at all, the payer can file a complaint with the seller to recover their funds. This process of refunds builds trust between payers and sellers, ensuring secure transactions for both sides.However, stablecoin transactions differ significantly. Unlike credit cards or PayPal, stablecoin payments are generally irreversible. Once sent, the payment is final, with no standard way to dispute or reverse it if issues arise, which can make payers wary of using stablecoins for daily purchases.This highlights the importance of refunds in the stablecoin ecosystem. Just as payers rely on protections with traditional payment methods, stablecoin transactions need comparable systems to inspire confidence. Without options to dispute or reverse payments, payers may avoid stablecoins for online shopping or other transactions. A clear, reliable refund system could make stablecoin payments safer and more attractive for payers, whether purchasing digital goods, services or physical items. Circle’s Refund Protocol, explained Circle’s refund protocol is basically a smart contract designed to resolve payment disputes while preventing custodial control over funds. It has transformed the role of arbiter by restricting their ability to redirect funds at will or indefinitely block access.Traditionally, an arbiter could fully control escrowed funds, including misusing or losing them. The Refund Protocol changes this by limiting the arbiter’s powers strictly to dispute resolution. Rather than making the arbiter all-powerful, the protocol entrusts the arbiter with three specific authorities:Set a lockup period during which the payer’s funds are securely held in escrowAuthorize refunds to a pre-specified address provided by the payerAllow early fund withdrawal by the payer if they pay a mutually agreed fee to the arbiter.The arbiter cannot send the funds to any arbitrary address, ensuring they remain non-custodial. The use of a smart contract ensures transparency, locking the process into code rather than trusting human discretion. The smart contract logs the recipient’s address, amount and refund address. By removing full custodial rights and fixing the dispute period, the Refund Protocol protects both payers and recipients while offering a structured, tamper-proof way to handle disagreements. Key features of Circle’s Refund Protocol In digital payments, stablecoins like USDC (USDC) have transformed transactions by providing swift, borderless and stable payment options. But these stablecoins lack the ability to manage disputes or process refunds, which is typically expected from traditional payment systems such as credit cards. The Refund Protocol fills this void.Here are the key features of the Refund Protocol:Non-custodial escrow: With the Refund Protocol, funds are never controlled by a central party. You don’t need to trust any single entity with your funds. Instead, the smart contract itself ensures that funds are only released when the conditions are met. This creates a more secure and trustworthy system for both payers and sellers.Mediation by an arbiter: If a dispute arises, the Refund Protocol employs an arbiter who works as a neutral mediator to settle conflicts without centralization or excessive authority. The arbiter’s role is to facilitate dispute resolution, not to manage the funds. If the payer and the seller cannot resolve the issue, the arbiter can make a final ruling, but they cannot arbitrarily access or control the funds. Lockup periods: To allow both parties time to address issues, the Refund Protocol incorporates lockup periods. During this period, funds stay in escrow, giving both sides an opportunity for negotiation or dispute resolution before funds are transferred to the payer. This ensures the payment isn’t immediately lost to fraud or mistakes.Early withdrawals: If the seller needs access to funds before the lockup period concludes, the Refund Protocol permits early withdrawals. But this is subject to a fee and requires consent from both the payer and the arbiter. Early withdrawals offer flexibility, enabling quicker access to funds if both parties agree on the conditions.Composability and transparency: A standout feature of the Refund Protocol is its composability, designed to integrate effortlessly with other blockchain-based applications. All transactions are logged on the blockchain, allowing the payer to monitor their funds’ status and maintain a clear record if a dispute occurs.Did you know? The Refund Protocol is built to work with USDC and can be integrated into merchant platforms, wallets or payment services. This opens doors to mainstream e-commerce use cases, where stablecoin refunds become as seamless as traditional card chargebacks. How Circle’s Refund Protocol works With Circle’s Refund Protocol, the payer no longer needs to avoid USDC payments, fearing an irreversible payment. It offers a transparent, decentralized and clear method to resolve disputes, ensuring funds’ safety. Here is how the refund protocol works:The payment: When the payer makes a payment, funds aren’t instantly transferred to the seller. The protocol’s smart contract holds the funds in escrow, showing the payment as initiated but pausing the transfer until conditions are fulfilled.The refund: If an issue occurs post-payment, such as non-delivery of service or products, the payer can request a refund from escrow if the supplier agrees. But if the seller doesn’t consent, they can escalate the matter to the arbiter for a resolution.The withdrawal: After the lockup period, if no disputes arise, the seller can withdraw funds without arbiter involvement. The decentralized, non-custodial system would only hold funds when needed.Early withdrawal: If the seller needs funds sooner, they can request early withdrawal. This feature includes a fee the arbiter determines and must be mutually agreed upon with the payer. To prevent arbitrary charges, the recipient must sign off on the terms before the withdrawal can happen.Did you know? The protocol predefines refund addresses at the time of payment. This means that even if disputes arise, arbiters can’t redirect funds elsewhere. It’s a privacy-preserving and fraud-resistant design that limits trust assumptions while still allowing dispute mediation. Benefits of the Refund Protocol Refund Protocol transforms stablecoin transactions by prioritizing security, transparency and user autonomy. It delivers a cost-effective, decentralized framework that enhances trust and usability for everyday payments.Here are some benefits of the Refund Protocol:Non-custodial system: The Refund Protocol ensures funds remain free from centralized control and, subsequently, arbitrary decision-making. This mechanism boosts trust as the payers don’t need to rely on any single entity. The smart contract ensures automated release of funds when conditions are met, fostering a secure, trustworthy environment for both payers and sellers.Transparent dispute resolution: A key advantage of the Refund Protocol is a transparent dispute resolution process. If an issue arises, an arbiter resolves it. As all transactions are onchain, both payers and buyers can monitor dispute progress anytime. Flexibility and control: The payer can designate a refund address in advance, setting payment terms. A seller may withdraw funds early, though with a fee. These features provide greater control over fund handling, which becomes especially useful for uses like e-commerce.Lower costs: By eliminating intermediaries like banks or payment processors, the Refund Protocol cuts transaction fees. This makes stablecoin payments a cost-effective option, particularly for cross-border transfers where traditional methods are slow and expensive.Greater stablecoin adoption: The Refund Protocol has overcome a significant hurdle to stablecoin use — the lack of trust. Its transparent, fair dispute resolution encourages more businesses and consumers to adopt stablecoins.Did you know? Circle’s Refund Protocol helps bridge the trust gap in crypto commerce by mimicking familiar Web2 refund experiences but in a decentralized way. It demonstrates how programmable money can unlock new consumer protection forms without sacrificing blockchain’s permissionless ethos. Challenges concerning the Refund Protocol The Refund Protocol faces hurdles in achieving widespread adoption and seamless functionality. Addressing these challenges is crucial for its scalability and integration into global payment systems.Here are the challenges the Refund Protocol is facing:Adoption by wallet providers: For the Refund Protocol to work smoothly, wallet providers must integrate it with the wallet. If a wallet doesn’t support specifying refund addresses or interacting with the Refund Protocol smart contract, both the payers and the sellers may not be able to use the full range of features. Gas costs and scalability: The Refund Protocol requires multiple interactions with the blockchain — payment deposits, withdrawals and dispute resolutions — each of which can incur gas costs. As the number of transactions grows, the fee may become prohibitive, particularly in high-volume applications. Legal and regulatory considerations: As stablecoins become more widely adopted, there may be legal and regulatory challenges regarding the enforceability of the protocol. The role of the arbiter in dispute resolution may need clarification under various jurisdictions, which could impact the global use of the protocol.Malicious arbiters: While the Refund Protocol minimizes the power of the arbiter, there is still the probability of misuse. A malicious arbiter could approve a refund that isn’t justified, leading to unfair outcomes. To mitigate this risk, auditing mechanisms and reputation systems could help ensure that arbiters act fairly and responsibly.Integration with traditional payment systems: As stablecoins gain popularity, there will likely be challenges in integrating them with traditional fiat-based systems. Most consumers are still accustomed to using credit cards or other payment methods, so ensuring that the Refund Protocol works seamlessly with both stablecoins and fiat currencies is a key challenge for the future.
The offer was rejected as too low, according to the story.
Patrick McHenry, the ex-lawmaker who championed last year's crypto legislation, also said he expects a role to be found for Tether in the U.S. stablecoin field.
Circle, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin, has secured initial approval from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in Abu Dhabi. The approval, announced on April 29, allows Circle to move closer to receiving a full Financial Services Permission (FSP) to operate within the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). This progress comes just months after Circle’s […]
The post Circle secures USDC regulatory nod in Abu Dhabi, enters tech ecosystem appeared first on CryptoSlate.
The stablecoin issuer received in-principle approval from ADGM's Financial Services Regulatory Authority to operate as a money services provider.
Mastercard's new global system aims to make stablecoin transactions as seamless as traditional payments.
Circle, the issuer behind the USDC stablecoin, has firmly denied rumors suggesting it plans to apply for a US banking license. The firm’s Chief Strategy Officer, Dante Disparte, clarified on social media that Circle has no plans to become a bank or any other type of insured depository institution. Disparte emphasized that the firm is […]
The post Circle denies plans to become a bank, focuses on aligning with stablecoin regulations appeared first on CryptoSlate.
A growing number of leading crypto firms, including Circle, Coinbase, BitGo, and Paxos, are reportedly preparing to apply for banking licenses in the United States. According to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal, the firms are leveraging a wave of pro-crypto sentiment in Washington to advance their long-term plans. The report noted that each […]
The post Crypto giants Circle and Coinbase reportedly eye US banking licenses amid regulatory thaw appeared first on CryptoSlate.
Circle is unveiling a new payments and cross border remittance product on Tuesday, from the firm’s One World Trade Center headquarters, according to an invite to the launch event.
The fastest growth was seen on the Ethereum, Solana and Base networks, data shows.
Stablecoins captured the biggest YoY growth among instutionals trades as global regulations regularized the fiat-pegged crypto coin market.
Circle’s long-awaited IPO filing reignites hopes for crypto listings, but shaky markets and weak financials raise doubts.
Circle's IPO filing reveals surprising revenue-sharing arrangement with Coinbase as USDC maintains stability despite market pressures.
Circle’s initial public offering (IPO) filing has drawn sharp criticism from industry insiders, who question its Bitcoin strategy and broader financial stability. While the company is best known for issuing the USDC stablecoin, its recent filings have revealed details that have prompted skepticism across the crypto space. Heavy on altcoins, light on Bitcoin and Ethereum […]
The post Circle holds just 73 BTC, raising questions about its Bitcoin commitment amid $5 billion valuation appeared first on CryptoSlate.
If approved, the stock of the company will be trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "CRCL."
The issuer of the USDC stablecoin is aiming again to go public after an attempted SPAC merger in 2021 never materialized.
The Rewards Wallet, built using programmable wallet infrastructure from Circle, allows crypto holders access to cashback, fee discounts, and other subscription perks.
The overall stablecoin market, including tokens pegged to currencies and commodities, crossed $230 billion rising for the 18th consecutive month, CoinDesk Data's report show.
The app currently has 500,000 monthly actively users.
Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), is exploring the integration of Circle’s stablecoin products—USD Coin (USDC) and US Yield Coin (USYC)—across its financial infrastructure. According to a March 27 announcement, the initiative will examine how these stablecoins could be integrated across ICE’s exchanges, clearing operations, and market data […]
The post NYSE parent company exploring Circle’s USDC and USYC stablecoins for financial systems appeared first on CryptoSlate.
The two will explore potential applications of USDC and money market fund token USYC in derivatives exchanges, clearinghouses and other operations.