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CryptoMediumUpdated×4•Originally published 5 August 2026•Updated 5 August 2026•
1 min read

Circle Sets Sept 16 for Arc Launch; Visa and BlackRock Join as Founding Validators

Key Facts

1Circle named BlackRock and Visa as initial partners to help run its new Arc blockchain.
2The partner list also includes Mastercard, Intercontinental Exchange, Galaxy, and Global Payments.
3The partnership aims to accelerate blockchain adoption in traditional finance and reshape cross-border transactions.

In a move strengthening its financial standing in the digital asset sector, Circle reported Q2 revenue of $701 million and officially scheduled the Arc mainnet launch for September 16, 2026. Alongside these results, the company confirmed the renewal of its USDC distribution agreement with Coinbase on existing terms, ensuring liquidity continuity as USDC circulation reached $73.3 billion.

This strategic expansion reflects deep institutional confidence, with Visa and BlackRock formally identified as founding validators alongside Mastercard and DTCC, while the Arc testnet has already processed over 500 million transactions. Per market data, BlackRock (BLK) shares closed at $1131.13, Visa (V) at $369.59, and Mastercard (MA) at $571.10 as of the August 4, 2026 close.

Investors are now monitoring the specific September 16 activation to gauge Arc's ability to attract institutional liquidity and transition volume from the testnet. Based on the economic calendar, there are no direct upcoming catalysts for these firms in the next seven days; however, markets continue to digest the Fed's July 29, 2026 decision to hold interest rates at 3.75%, which remains a critical factor for fintech valuations.