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The introduction of the MiCA framework has significantly boosted USDC’s uptake, especially across Europe, where Circle’s stablecoin gained traction after receiving regulatory clearance. USDC’s adherence to MiCA stands in contrast to USDT, which has not been authorized under these rules, resulting in its removal from several major exchanges following the regulation’s launch. Additionally, USDC’s integration with payment giants like Visa and Mastercard, as well as its Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol (CCTP), has facilitated smooth cross-chain transfers and broadened its role within decentralized finance, according to
Circle’s recent alliances further reinforce its leadership. The company has partnered with ClearBank, a regulated UK bank, to enhance the availability of MiCA-compliant stablecoins such as USDC and EURC throughout Europe. This collaboration is designed to connect conventional banking systems with blockchain, enabling instant international payments. Mark Fairless, CEO of ClearBank, stated that merging its regulated platform with Circle’s blockchain expertise could transform global financial settlements, as reported by
This partnership has already influenced Circle’s stock, which climbed from $92 to $146 after the news broke. Investors see this move as a driver for increased revenue and wider adoption of stablecoin payment solutions. Circle’s market value has now reached $33.45 billion, signaling renewed institutional trust in its regulatory-focused strategy, according to the Market Periodical.
Although USDT continues to lead in developing markets and on centralized trading platforms, JPMorgan’s analysts believe USDC’s regulatory advantage sets a benchmark for the global expansion of stablecoins. The company’s growth—supported by MiCA compliance, institutional backing, and key integrations—marks a significant change in the stablecoin sector as regulatory standards become more established, Coindesk noted.