Circle has expanded the reach of its US dollar-pegged stablecoin by launching native USDC on World Chain, the blockchain project backed by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
The development replaces previously bridged USDC tokens with native assets directly issued by Circle, improving security, liquidity, and integration within the World ecosystem, according to the announcement.
The transition follows a period of major momentum for both entities. Circle recently completed its public market debut on the New York Stock Exchange, while Worldcoin’s World project launched its US operations in April despite regulatory headwinds in various jurisdictions.
Bridged USDC Converted to Native Circle-Issued Tokens
The integration is said to align Circle’s regulated digital dollar with a network already serving over 27 million users across 160 countries. Prior to the upgrade, nearly two million users of the World App had been holding bridged USDC, assets transferred to the platform from other blockchains via third-party bridges.
These bridged tokens have now been automatically converted to native USDC issued by Circle, giving users access to fully backed stablecoins with higher regulatory and financial assurances.
With this migration, the USDC on World Chain is now fully collateralized by cash and short-term US Treasuries held in Circle’s reserves.
The change eliminates the risks associated with bridged assets, such as third-party custodial vulnerabilities, and brings users access to more dollar-denominated tools. From peer-to-peer remittances to micro-app payments within the World Chain ecosystem, the stablecoin’s upgrade is now live for usage.
CCTP V2 Integration Enhances Interoperability
Alongside the native USDC launch, Circle also introduced support for its Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol Version 2 (CCTP V2) on World Chain.
This upgrade enables users and developers to move USDC across multiple blockchains without relying on traditional bridges, significantly reducing friction, costs, and potential delays.
For developers building on World App’s Mini App platform, the native USDC and CCTP integration means USDC can now be embedded directly into services without external dependencies.
Businesses and institutions using Circle Mint can also access on- and off-ramps for fiat conversions. The announcement read:
And with CCTP V2, transferring USDC across supported chains faster and more cost effective. This means developers, businesses and consumers alike can quickly and easily move funds and fully benefit from DeFi composability.
World Chain’s infrastructure is positioned as an identity-layered blockchain with a globally distributed user base. By integrating Circle’s stablecoin directly into its core stack, the network could accelerate mainstream financial utility and provide cross-border value transfers for both individuals and enterprises.
In addition to USDC, Circle and World have indicated that EURC, Circle’s euro-backed stablecoin, may be added to the platform in future iterations.
Featured image created with DALL-E, Chart from TradingView
