Circle Internet Group has launched the public testnet for Arc, a new open-source blockchain designed to become the ‘Economic Operating System’ for the internet. This initiative aims to provide financial infrastructure for global markets by blending stability from traditional finance with efficiency of blockchain technology. Over 100 financial institutions, fintechs and technology firms are collaborating on the Arc testnet phase. Notable participants include BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, Visa, Mastercard, and State Street, demonstrating the network’s ambition to connect on-chain and off-chain economies. Arc offers predictable dollar-based fees, sub-second transaction finality, and customizable privacy options, allowing seamless integration with Circle’s financial products including USDC and broader payment infrastructure. The platform supports diverse use cases like lending, capital markets, foreign exchange (FX), and global payments, enabling developers to build and test scalable financial applications. Circle’s Co-Founder and CEO Jeremy Allaire highlighted the significant momentum of early adopters in using the Arc public testnet. With over 100 partners reaching billions of users, moving trillions of dollars in assets, and supporting local economies across the globe, the launch marks Circle’s biggest step towards expanding beyond stablecoins into broader blockchain infrastructure. By positioning Arc as a foundational layer for financial innovation, Circle aims to establish a unified framework for on-chain settlement, asset tokenization, and cross-border payments, ultimately creating a more open, inclusive, and efficient global economic system.