Circle Considers $5 Billion Sale to Coinbase or Ripple: Report

USDC issuer Circle Internet Financial Ltd. is reportedly exploring a potential sale worth $5 billion, potentially to either Coinbase Global Inc. or Ripple Labs Inc., rather than pursuing its previously announced IPO. This maneuver could dramatically impact the stablecoin market, particularly USDC’s role in decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols, as key players and valuations are reassessed.