Circle Launches Native USDC and CCTP on OKX’s X Layer Blockchain

Circle has launched native USDC and its Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol on OKX’s X Layer, expanding access to regulated dollar-based payments and DeFi applications.

Circle Brings Native USDC to OKX’s X Layer

Circle announced that native USDC is now available on X Layer, an Ethereum-compatible layer-2 network developed by OKX. The integration allows developers, businesses, and applications on X Layer to use Circle-issued USDC without relying only on bridged versions.

Native USDC can support decentralized finance applications, payments, trading platforms, and other blockchain-based financial services. Circle said the integration also gives qualified businesses access to USDC issuance and redemption through Circle Mint.

X Layer supports Ethereum-based applications while offering lower fees and faster settlement. The network targets use cases across decentralized finance, payments, real-world asset tokenization, and artificial intelligence applications.

CCTP Enables Cross-Chain USDC Transfers

The integration gives users access to CCTP for moving USDC across supported blockchain networks. Circle designed the protocol to transfer USDC between chains without relying on traditional wrapped versions of the stablecoin.

CCTP is now available across 26 blockchains, while native USDC is supported on 36 networks following the X Layer integration. The expansion allows developers to build applications that require access to USDC liquidity across multiple blockchain ecosystems.

X Layer will continue supporting bridged USDC from Ethereum. However, Circle and the X Layer ecosystem are encouraging users and applications to move toward native USDC over time.

USDC Targets DeFi, Payments and AI Applications

Native USDC on X Layer also supports payment and financial applications within the network. Payment service providers, fintech companies, decentralized applications and AI agents can use the stablecoin for automated transactions and settlement.

The integration also connects with X Layer’s x402 ecosystem, which supports automated payments between AI agents and services. Developers can use USDC for payments involving application programming interfaces, digital services and other automated transactions.

Qualified businesses can also access USDC issuance and redemption through Circle Mint on X Layer. The service provides businesses with a direct route to use Circle’s stablecoin infrastructure for institutional settlement.

Circle has continued expanding its blockchain infrastructure alongside the X Layer launch. The company recently announced founding validators for its Arc blockchain, including BlackRock, DTCC, Galaxy, Mastercard, Visa, Standard Chartered and other financial and technology companies.

For more ways to spend digital dollars in the real world, investors can explore stablecoin debit cards supporting native USDC integrations.