Introduction
In a significant move to enhance the adoption of the USDC stablecoin, Circle and Bybit have announced a strategic partnership. This collaboration aims to integrate USDC across Bybit’s platform, making it easier for users to trade, save, and spend with the stablecoin.
Partnership Overview
Bybit, the world’s second‑largest crypto exchange by trading volume, has joined forces with Circle, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin. The partnership seeks to make USDC the default stablecoin within Bybit’s global ecosystem, focusing on facilitating easier fiat deposits and withdrawals.
Key Objectives
- Improve USDC liquidity across spot and derivatives markets.
- Launch joint campaigns to increase USDC usage across Bybit’s products.
- Simplify the transition between traditional money and crypto.
- Leverage Circle’s payment networks with Bybit’s global presence for better fiat deposit and withdrawal options.
Integration Details
Beyond trading, Bybit plans to embed USDC into its savings product, Bybit Earn, as well as its cashback card and payment service. This integration is designed to provide users with more options for using USDC in their daily financial activities.
Executive Quote
“Bybit’s partnership with Circle represents a major milestone in our mission to offer a fully compliant, liquid, and user‑friendly ecosystem,” said Ben Zhou, Bybit’s co‑founder and CEO. “From trading to payments to savings, we are integrating USDC to power the next phase of our platform’s growth and stability.”
Regulatory Progress
The partnership comes after Bybit secured a full Virtual Asset Platform Operator License from the UAE’s Securities and Commodities Authority and has been expanding regulated operations in Europe and Turkey, underscoring its ambition to serve both retail and institutional clients under clearer rulesets.
Stablecoin Market Context
The total market value of stablecoins has risen to over $308 billion, according to DefiLlama. While Tether’s USDT holds a 60% share with a $185 billion market cap, USDC is gaining ground, having grown over 3% in the last month to just shy of $78 billion. This partnership aims to narrow the gap by making USDC the default stablecoin on a major exchange ecosystem.
Technical Alignment
Bybit is also participating in the testnet for Circle’s new blockchain, Arc, launched in October 2025 and built specifically for stablecoin‑focused finance, indicating a longer‑term technological alignment between the two companies.
Future Outlook
The collaboration reflects Bybit’s ongoing efforts to broaden access, such as its earlier initiative allowing crypto purchases with credit cards in over 25 local currencies. By integrating USDC across its platform and simplifying fiat‑to‑crypto transitions, Bybit aims to deliver a more efficient, user‑friendly experience while reinforcing its commitment to regulatory compliance and global reach.
