Circle Launches Native USDC on OKX’s X Layer

Circle has launched native USDC and its Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol on OKX’s X Layer, expanding the availability of its dollar-backed stablecoin across an Ethereum-compatible layer-2 network. The integration is aimed at developers, businesses and blockchain applications seeking access to stablecoin-based payments, decentralized finance and other financial services without depending solely on bridged versions of USDC.

X Layer, developed by OKX, is designed to support Ethereum-based applications while providing lower transaction costs and faster settlement. Its infrastructure targets a range of applications, including decentralized finance, payments, real-world asset tokenization and emerging artificial intelligence use cases.

The introduction of native USDC means applications operating on X Layer can use USDC issued directly by Circle, providing an alternative to bridged representations of the stablecoin and improving access to Circle’s payment and financial infrastructure.

Native USDC expands financial applications

Native USDC can be used across decentralized finance platforms, payment services, trading applications and other blockchain-based financial products. The integration also gives eligible businesses access to USDC issuance and redemption through Circle Mint on X Layer, providing a direct connection to Circle’s stablecoin infrastructure.

The availability of native USDC is significant because bridged assets can involve additional infrastructure and dependencies when moving tokens between blockchain networks. By supporting USDC directly on X Layer, Circle is seeking to simplify the use of its stablecoin for applications and businesses operating within the network.

X Layer will continue to support bridged USDC originating from Ethereum. However, Circle and participants in the X Layer ecosystem are encouraging applications and users to gradually adopt native USDC where appropriate.

The development comes as blockchain networks increasingly compete to attract stablecoin liquidity and financial applications. Native stablecoins can provide developers with a more direct foundation for building payment systems, trading platforms and decentralized applications that depend on reliable dollar-denominated liquidity.

CCTP connects USDC across blockchains

Alongside native USDC, Circle has introduced its Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol, or CCTP, to X Layer. The protocol enables USDC to move between supported blockchain networks without relying on traditional wrapped versions of the stablecoin.

CCTP works by facilitating the burning of USDC on one supported network and the minting of native USDC on another. This approach allows applications to transfer the stablecoin across participating chains while maintaining a native form of USDC on the destination network.

With CCTP now available across 26 blockchains and native USDC supported on 36 networks following the X Layer launch, developers gain broader access to USDC liquidity across multiple blockchain ecosystems.

The expanded connectivity could be particularly relevant for applications that operate across several networks and need to move stablecoin liquidity between them. It can also support developers building cross-chain financial products without requiring users to depend on multiple wrapped versions of USDC.

USDC targets payments and AI transactions

Circle’s expansion onto X Layer also supports payment-focused applications, including services operated by fintech companies, payment providers and decentralized applications. The stablecoin can also be used by AI agents for automated transactions and settlement, extending USDC’s potential use beyond conventional blockchain finance.

The integration connects with X Layer’s x402 ecosystem, which is designed to facilitate automated payments between AI agents and digital services. Developers can use USDC in transactions involving application programming interfaces, software-based services and other automated activities.

For businesses that meet Circle’s eligibility requirements, access to Circle Mint on X Layer provides an additional route for issuing and redeeming USDC. This could support institutional settlement and other commercial applications requiring dollar-denominated digital assets.

The X Layer integration strengthens USDC’s role across DeFi, payments and automated AI transactions while giving businesses a direct route to Circle’s stablecoin infrastructure.

The launch is part of Circle’s broader expansion of blockchain infrastructure. The company has also announced founding validators for its Arc blockchain, including major financial and technology firms. The continued development of these networks indicates Circle’s strategy of expanding USDC connectivity and infrastructure as demand for blockchain-based payments and financial applications grows.