Circle, Binance expand USDC partnership with $100 million investment

Circle and Binance are expanding their strategic USDC partnership through a new five-year commercial agreement and a $100 million equity investment from Binance. Binance will expand the promotion and integration of USDC across its platform. Circle will support USDC through its Modular Smart Contract Wallet infrastructure and will pay Binance a monthly incentive fee tied to USDC held through the service. The agreement replaces earlier arrangements from November 2024 and August 2025 and may be terminated early under specified circumstances. Circle co-founder, Chairman and CEO Jeremy Allaire said the partnership could broaden access to USDC across emerging markets. Binance bought 1.237 million Circle Class A shares at $80.84 per share through a private placement, at a discount to the market price before closing. The shares are generally subject to a two-year transfer restriction, with customary exceptions, while Binance retains voting and other shareholder rights during that period. Binance co-CEO Richard Teng said the $100 million investment and five-year commitment represented long-duration conviction. Circle's platform includes USDC, Circle Payments Network and its Arc blockchain.