Circle Launches Native USDC and CCTP on OKX X Layer

Circle Launches Native USDC and CCTP on OKX X Layer

On August 7, 2026, Circle announced the launch of its native USDC and Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol (CCTP) on OKX’s X Layer, a newly developed Ethereum-compatible layer-2 network. This integration allows developers and businesses to directly utilize USDC, the largest regulated dollar-pegged stablecoin, across various applications, including payments and decentralized finance (DeFi).

Native USDC: A New Era for Developers

Prior to this launch, users mostly relied on USDC bridged from Ethereum, which involved locking tokens on one network and recreating them on another. The introduction of native USDC simplifies this process by eliminating the need for these bridges, offering a standard version of USDC that integrates seamlessly with Circle’s broader payment and cross-chain infrastructure. This move significantly enhances the usability of USDC for payment providers, trading platforms, and decentralized applications, enabling them to use USDC for transfers, settlements, and lending.

CCTP Expands Reach Across Blockchains

Circle’s CCTP has also been rolled out, facilitating USDC transfers across supported networks via a burn-and-mint mechanism. This novel approach allows for native USDC to be transferred without the need for wrapped assets or third-party liquidity pools, marking a departure from traditional bridging methods. With this rollout, CCTP now connects to 26 different blockchains, offering developers the capability to create innovative cross-chain applications.

Integrating Automated Payment Systems

Circle has also highlighted that native USDC supports X Layer’s x402 ecosystem, designed for automated payments between software agents, APIs, and digital services. This enables software agents to conduct microtransactions autonomously, which streamlines processes in automated finance. Additionally, developers can program spending limits and controls at the application level, enhancing the functionality of USDC.

A Step Towards Regulatory Oversight

Circle’s expansion continues parallel to its efforts to ensure that USDC operations are under robust U.S. regulatory oversight. The recent success of USDC is underscored by its circulation reaching $73.3 billion in the second quarter of this year, with a marked increase in transaction volume. The company is also preparing for the public mainnet launch of its Arc blockchain on September 16, featuring significant financial institutions as founding validators. As Circle transitions USDC issuance to its recently established New York trust entity, it aims to enhance the regulatory landscape surrounding its stablecoin.