Circle signs MOU with China's Lienlian Global to build stablecoin-based cross-chain payment infrastructure.

Joint development of international payment solutions utilizing USDC, full-scale expansion into the Asian market.

Circle, the issuer of stablecoin USDC, announced yesterday that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with LianLian Global, a Chinese licensed cross-border payment company.

Circle said through its official X channel that it is "working with LienLien Global to explore building a stablecoin-based cross-border payments infrastructure," adding that this is "an important step in our long-term work to expand USDC use cases within the regulated financial system."

Five key areas of cooperation are presented, including real-time settlement and entry into emerging markets.

Circle and Lienlien Global have proposed five key areas of cooperation through this MOU.

First, it supports faster and more flexible cross-border transactions by modernizing payment infrastructure and fund management. Second, it improves cost efficiency for merchants and platforms and streamlines settlement processes.

Third, the Circle Payments Network explores ways to support interoperability between existing payment rails and blockchain-native infrastructure, enabling near-real-time settlements and 24/7 global commerce.

Fourth, we will identify opportunities in emerging markets where digital payment solutions can foster greater accessibility and economic participation. Fifth, we will leverage Circle's Layer 1 blockchain, Arc, to more effectively support future payment use cases across the LienLien global network.

“Our collaboration with Lienlian Global reflects our ongoing commitment to advancing open and interoperable financial infrastructure built for the needs of modern economies in Asia and beyond,” said Yam Ki Chan, Circle Vice President of Asia Pacific. “As digital assets and public blockchains become the foundation of future commerce, we are excited to explore how USDC can be integrated with Lienlian Global’s cross-border solutions.”

LienLien Global is a cross-border payments provider operating in major international trade corridors and possessing deep expertise in e-commerce payment flows. Serving millions of merchants worldwide, it offers payment services tailored to high-growth sectors and cross-border transactions.

Circle launches full-scale expansion into Asian markets...Expanding USDC within the regulated financial system

Circle issues the USDC and EURC stablecoins and is building the world's largest stablecoin network. It provides comprehensive financial and technology services to enable enterprises and developers to integrate stablecoins and blockchain into their products, services, and business operations.

Through this collaboration with Lienlien Global, Circle expects to expand the practical use cases of USDC in the Asian market and strengthen its role as a key bridge connecting traditional financial systems and blockchain infrastructure.

Joohoon Choi joohoon@blockstreet.co.kr