The Aptos Foundation has announced plans to integrate Circle’s native USDC stablecoin and Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol (CCTP) into the Aptos network.
Additionally, Stripe will add support for Aptos in its crypto access and payment products. These developments aim to improve the interoperability of decentralized finance (DeFi) and expand Aptos’ role in connecting traditional finance with blockchain technology.
The integration of Stripe’s crypto products with Aptos will provide a streamlined path between fiat and crypto, easing both on- and off-ramps for users and merchants. The move is expected to simplify cross-border payments and enable smoother interactions between blockchain systems and traditional financial institutions.
Circle, the issuer of USDC, will begin providing native USDC directly on Aptos through its regulated entities. This eliminates the need for bridged versions of the stablecoin, which currently dominates Aptos with over $160 million in circulation. CCTP will allow developers to build applications that leverage native USDC for cross-chain activities, including transfers and cash management, across nine supported blockchains.
To ease the transition, Aptos will work with bridge providers such as Stargate, built on LayerZero, allowing users to gradually move from bridged to native USDC. For clarity, USDC bridged on AptosBridge will be renamed to “lzUSDC” across all platforms and block explorers.
Improving DeFi interoperability
The launch of CCTP on Aptos aims to expand cross-chain interoperability, providing capital-efficient routes for USDC transfers. Aptos joins CCTP’s network of major blockchains, including Ethereum, Solana and Arbitrum, increasing its access to broader DeFi ecosystems.
Stripe’s support for Aptos will allow users to convert fiat currencies directly to USDC via Aptos-enabled wallets. This integration is expected to open new possibilities for merchants using Stripe’s payment network, enabling faster and cheaper transactions across the world.
Stripe officials noted that the addition of Aptos expands access to efficient global payment flows using stablecoins. They highlighted that the collaboration connects Stripe’s infrastructure to blockchain technology, providing merchants and consumers with innovative payment options.
Circle representatives highlighted Aptos as an effective tool for global financial transactions and noted that native USDC and CCTP integration would further improve the network’s efficiency and accessibility.
