Circle, a financial technology firm and issuer of the USDC stablecoin, has partnered with Sony Group’s Singapore-based unit, Sony Blockchain Solutions Lab. This collaboration aims to broaden the adoption of USDC, the second-largest stablecoin in the cryptocurrency market.
Integration of Bridged USDC Standard
In an announcement on September 15, Circle stated that the Bridged USDC Standard would be integrated with Sony’s newly developed blockchain protocol, Soneium. This integration will establish USDC as the primary digital asset for transactions and value transfers on the platform.
Launched in August 2024, Soneium is a Layer-2 blockchain designed to scale the Ethereum 
$3,343 network. The protocol aims to increase the adoption of the crypto ecosystem by attracting application developers from sectors such as entertainment, gaming, and finance.
Connecting Blockchains
Circle explained that Bridged USDC offers flexibility to blockchains integrating this infrastructure. According to the company, blockchains utilizing Bridged USDC can seamlessly transition to native USDC issuances for a more robust financial ecosystem in the future.
Jun Watanabe, head of Sony Blockchain Solutions Lab, indicated that integrating Circle’s stablecoin infrastructure aligns with their vision of creating a more connected ecosystem. Watanabe stated, “By integrating Circle’s financial infrastructure with Soneium, we are ready to reshape the landscape of digital entertainment and finance.”
Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire emphasized that this partnership is a significant step in promoting the adoption of the USDC stablecoin across various blockchains. He noted, “This collaboration is a pivotal milestone in our mission to accelerate the adoption of our stablecoins and blockchain technology, providing creators with the opportunity for secure, user-friendly Web3 experiences.”
Furthermore, Circle announced plans to open a new international office in New York to increase the global use of the USDC stablecoin. Set to open in early 2025, the office will be located on the 87th floor of One World Trade Center in Manhattan.
