Circle, a fintech company and issuer of the stablecoin USDC, has successfully integrated native USDC into zkSync, a prominent layer 2 rollup, facilitating direct access for developers and users without the necessity of bridges.
This expansion means USDC now operates across 16 different blockchain platforms.
Integration of USDC into zkSync
Circle disclosed through a blog post on April 9th that a variety of key applications and DeFi protocols within the ecosystem are set to adopt native USDC on zkSync for a range of uses, including but not limited to payments, trading, and lending activities.
Key early adopters include Koi Finance, a notable zkRollup DeFi platform built on zkSync Era, as well as SyncSwap, a decentralized exchange, and ZeroLend, a lending protocol.
Circle expressed its enthusiasm, stating, “We’re thrilled to make native USDC available on zkSync, providing developers and users with easy access—eliminating the need for bridging. Circle Mint and Circle APIs now offer full support for USDC on zkSync.”
Circle further elaborated on the benefits of implementing native USDC in financial applications. Being a regulated entity, native USDC ensures stability and trust, with a guaranteed 1:1 redeemability with the US dollar at all times.
The introduction of native USDC simplifies integration into institutional pathways such as Circle Mint, enhancing efficiency for both institutions and individual users.
Moreover, its adaptable nature makes it an ideal solution for businesses aiming to incorporate stablecoin capabilities within their operations.
Distinction Between Native and Bridged USDC
Native USDC issued by Circle retains a constant 1:1 value exchange rate with the US dollar. On the contrary, USDC.e on zkSync represents USDC that has been moved from Ethereum via a bridging mechanism and is not directly issued by Circle.
This development follows Circle’s recent move to bring its USDC stablecoin into the zkSync environment, broadening its ecosystem reach and application utility.