ClearBank to become one of the first EU banks to join Circle Payments Network

ClearBank, a cloud-based clearing bank based in the United Kingdom, has formed a strategic partnership with Circle, the issuer of USDC, the second-largest stablecoin by market capitalization.

ClearBank has signed a strategic framework agreement with a subsidiary of Circle Internet Group to cooperate on several stablecoin-related initiatives in the European market, the company announced on Monday.

The collaboration aims to scale access to Circle’s USDC (USDC) and EURC (EURC) stablecoins through Circle Mint, a service that allows authorized financial institutions and partners to create and redeem tokens directly on the blockchain.

As part of the agreement, ClearBank also plans to become one of the first European banks to join the Circle Payments Network (CPN), which connects financial institutions and utilizes stablecoins like USDC and EURC to facilitate fast and secure transactions.

Faster and cheaper cross-border transactions

Through its cooperation with Circle, ClearBank aims to enhance access to Circle-issued stablecoins, which comply with the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA).

Circle became the first global stablecoin issuer to comply with MiCA rules in July 2024, months before MiCA entered into full force in late 2024.

By integrating with Circle’s Circle Mint and CPN, ClearBank is connecting its cloud-native banking platform to Circle’s stablecoin settlement network, helping to bridge traditional and digital finance for faster and cheaper cross-border transactions.

“Joining Circle Payments Network will be a significant milestone in ClearBank’s evolution as a cross-border payments innovator,” ClearBank CEO Mark Fairless said, adding that Circle is “redefining how money moves globally.”

Related: Circle explores ‘reversible’ USDC transactions in break from crypto ethos

The partnership also lays the groundwork for additional strategic initiatives, including stablecoin-based treasury solutions and tokenized asset settlement integrations, the announcement states.

Circle’s collaboration with ClearBank comes weeks after the stablecoin issuer partnered with German securities marketplace Deutsche Börse. Announced on Sept. 30, the partnership aims to list and trade Circle’s USDC and EURC on Deutsche Börse’s 3DX exchange.