Circle Backs edgeX, Brings Native USDC to EDGE Chain

Circle Ventures has finalized a strategic investment in decentralized derivatives platform edgeX, outlining plans to integrate native USDC and Circle’s Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol into the EDGE Chain infrastructure. In an announcement dated February 10, Circle indicated that the integration would embed USDC directly into edgeX’s trading, margin, and settlement systems once certain conditions are satisfied.

The partnership represents Circle’s first expansion at a system-wide level into decentralized derivatives infrastructure. Through this move, the company is positioning USDC not merely as a payment instrument but as a foundational settlement layer for high-frequency financial activity. Circle Ventures acted as the sole participant in the funding round, although neither the size of the investment nor edgeX’s valuation was disclosed.

edgeX confirmed that it had secured strategic backing from Circle Ventures and stated that USDC, recognized as one of the largest regulated stablecoins globally, would be introduced to the EDGE Chain. The company explained that the integration would allow USDC to function within its trading ecosystem, including margin calculations and settlement processes. This development is expected to enable the stablecoin to play a direct role in risk assessment and liquidity generation across the platform.

Circle described the initiative as its first deliberate step into embedding stablecoins at the infrastructure layer of decentralized derivatives markets. By incorporating USDC into core operational mechanisms, the company aims to establish stablecoins as essential rails for high-frequency trading and advanced financial transactions.

EDGE Chain Transition and Platform Growth

edgeX operates as a multi-asset derivatives trading venue built on a unified trading engine supported by integrated margin and settlement systems. In January 2026, the platform transitioned from operating as a perpetual decentralized exchange to launching its proprietary EDGE Chain. At that time, it shifted from a closed beta environment to an open beta phase.

The platform currently reports daily trading volumes exceeding $3 billion, with open interest surpassing $1 billion across crypto and commodity perpetual futures contracts. Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Tether Gold, and BNB account for the majority of trading activity, while commodities such as gold are emerging as significant growth segments alongside digital assets.

edgeX supports a wide range of cryptocurrency and commodity trading pairs, with USDT serving as the primary collateral asset to date. In early January, the platform introduced a Pre-Token Generation Event season designed to prepare its ecosystem for an upcoming token launch scheduled for March 31, 2026.

The upgrade to EDGE Chain infrastructure is intended to support higher transaction throughput and attract broader institutional engagement. By embedding USDC directly into the platform’s infrastructure, edgeX is reshaping the stablecoin’s function from a transactional medium to an integrated component of margin management, settlement operations, and liquidity provisioning.

Cross-Chain Functionality and Broader Strategy

Circle’s Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol will enable native USDC to move seamlessly across blockchains through a burn-and-mint mechanism. This approach eliminates reliance on wrapped token models and third-party custodians while consolidating liquidity across networks. Native USDC also allows direct one-to-one redemption for US dollars, distinguishing it from bridged alternatives that depend on intermediary custody arrangements.

The integration aligns with Circle’s broader 2026 strategy to expand USDC adoption within high-frequency and sustainable decentralized finance applications beyond basic payment use cases. With edgeX joining Circle’s ecosystem, USDC becomes embedded within derivatives infrastructure across a network that spans more than 30 blockchains.

Circle, which oversees more than $73 billion in USDC circulation, operates Circle Ventures as its investment arm to support projects that enhance stablecoin utility across decentralized finance, payments, and blockchain systems. This latest move marks the company’s first direct investment in a decentralized derivatives platform, signaling a deeper commitment to integrating stablecoins into advanced financial market structures.

While financial details of the investment remain undisclosed, the partnership underscores a strategic effort to position USDC at the core of decentralized trading infrastructure as the derivatives sector continues to expand.

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