Circle Expands MiCA-Compliant Stablecoins Through Bison Digital Assets Partnership

Circle, a global financial technology company and issuer of USD Coin (USDC) and Euro Coin (EURC), has partnered with Bison Digital Assets (BDA), the cryptocurrency subsidiary of Portugal’s Bison Bank. The partnership aims to provide access to stablecoins that comply with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulation.

Circle Joins Forces with Bison Digital Assets for MiCA-Compliant Stablecoins

According to a recent report, Circle has integrated its USDC and EURC stablecoins into Bison Digital Assets’ platform. The collaboration ensures that transactions meet the regulatory framework set forth by MiCA. These regulations will standardize cryptocurrency activities within the EU.

Additionally, USDC and EURC are fully reserved stablecoins backed by liquid cash or cash-equivalent assets. These reserves are held at regulated financial institutions and undergo monthly third-party audits. This ensures that customers can redeem the stablecoins for their equivalent value in U.S. dollars or euros, offering both transparency and trust.

Notably, the partnership comes as the EU’s MiCA and Transfer of Funds Regulation (TFR) Travel Rule take effect, aiming to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. Circle’s Policy Head, Patrick Hansen, clarified misconceptions, highlighting that CASPs must now collect and exchange sender and receiver data for transactions over €1,000. These measures, including encrypted info sharing, enhance security and transparency in the crypto space.

Enabling Secure and Regulated Blockchain Transactions

The partnership allows Bison Digital Assets to leverage Circle’s issuance and redemption platform for deposits, withdrawals, and payments. This integration simplifies cross-border blockchain transactions by ensuring they are compliant, cost-effective, and secure.

Circle has processed over $19 trillion in transactions since USDC stablecoin launch in 2018, reflecting its reliability and efficiency. The collaboration enables Bison Digital Assets customers to access faster and cheaper financial services.

António Henriques, CEO of Bison Bank, emphasized the transformative potential of stablecoins in financial services. 

CEO of Bison Bank emphasized, 

“We are thrilled to establish this partnership between BDA and Circle, offering our customers regulated and secure stablecoins. We believe these will play a fundamental role in the future of financial services.”

A Milestone in European Crypto Regulation

Bison Digital Assets, known for being the first Portuguese bank to establish a crypto-focused subsidiary, is bridging traditional finance and blockchain technology. The company’s Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from the Bank of Portugal further strengthens its impact.

Sanja Kon, Circle’s VP of Partnerships and Business Development in Europe highlighted the importance of this collaboration.

Sanja Kon added,

“This collaboration reflects our shared vision to enable the global movement of money in a secure, compliant, and internet-native way. By integrating USDC and EURC, BDA customers gain robust, seamless, and regulated digital payment solutions.”

More so, the partnership comes just days after the stablecoin issuer announced its $1M USDC donation to Donald Trump’s inaugural fund. Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire highlighted the move as proof of USDC’s growing acceptance, reflecting its role in mainstream financial transactions.