The post Circle Launches Public Testnet For Arc With Participation from Over 100 Institutions appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Circle has officially launched the public testnet for Arc, an open Layer-1 blockchain network built to support developers and companies, driving more economic activity onchain.

The New Economic “OS” For Internet

This is a major milestone for Circle and it’s already attracting participation from over 100 companies across the financial and technology sectors. 

Arc is now available for developers and enterprises to deploy, test and build on what Circle describes as the new Economic Operating System (“OS”) for the internet.

CEO Jeremy Allaire said that the testnet is “seeing remarkable early momentum”, as leading companies, protocols, and projects begin to build and test.

He highlighted that these participants collectively serve billions of users and handle trillions in assets worldwide, underscoring Arc’s goal to connect local markets to the global economy. He described Arc as enterprise-grade infrastructure designed to enable a more open, inclusive, and efficient financial system built natively on the internet.

The Arc Ecosystem is Taking Shape

With today’s public testnet launch, we’re proud to share that leading companies across major sectors of the global financial system and onchain economy are already engaging in the early Arc ecosystem.

Collectively, these organizations manage… pic.twitter.com/dI3aCIzS43

— Jeremy Allaire – jda.eth / jdallaire.sol (@jerallaire) October 28, 2025

Arc is a big step toward building a more open and programmable financial infrastructure for the global economy. It is designed to make onchain transactions faster, smarter, and easier to use, with predictable dollar-based fees, sub-second transaction finality and opt-in configurable privacy.

With its integration to Circle’s full-stack platform, Arc enables a wide range of use cases across lending, capital markets, foreign exchange and global payments.

Institutional Partners

Leading capital markets firms engaging with Arc include Apollo, BNY, Intercontinental Exchange, and State Street.

Other participating banks, asset managers, and insurers include Absa, Clearbank, BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, Deutsche Bank, Standard Chartered, Invesco, SBI Holdings and others. 

Circle notes that payments are emerging as one of Arc’s most powerful use cases, making it easy for people and businesses to move money instantly and without friction. The same infrastructure also supports AI-driven systems that can autonomously send and settle value in real time.

Technology and Fintech Partners

The technology and payments firms engaging with Arc, include AWS, Mastercard, Visa, Cloudflare, Brex, Nuvei, among others. Stablecoin issuers from various regions are also active on the testnet.

Infrastructure Providers and Developers

Arc is also partnering with leading developers and infrastructure providers including MetaMask, Ledger, Fireblocks, Alchemy and Chainlink. 

Anthropic is enhancing the developer experience on Arc with Claude code-powered builder tools. Crosschain partners include Across, Wormhole and Stargate while Elliptic, Quicknode, and TRM will ensure that Arc stays fast, secure, and reliable. 

Arc is bringing together leading players from across the digital asset ecosystem, from decentralized and centralized exchanges to market makers, lenders, and custodians. DEXs like Uniswap and Curve provide onchain liquidity, while Coinbase, Kraken, and Robinhood expand global access.

Major market makers like Galaxy Digital, Wintermute, and GSR enhance liquidity, and lending platforms such as Aave and Maple support credit and capital efficiency. Custodians like BitGo and Zodia Custody help keep assets secure.

The First Step to Shared Governance

Circle notes that the testnet launch marks the beginning of a network designed to evolve into a distributed, community-driven system.

Over time, it plans to expand validator participation, introduce transparent governance models, and involve the community in its evolution.

The post Metaplanet Announces ¥75B Share Repurchase Program to Strengthen Bitcoin Strategy appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Metaplanet, widely known as “Japan’s MicroStrategy”, has taken a major step forward in its long-term strategy by launching a 75 billion JPY share repurchase program. 

This comes after the company faced a setback with a decline in its mNAV, and aims to make better use of capital and boost returns for shareholders.

Metaplanet has established a share repurchase program to enhance capital efficiency and maximize BTC Yield. The Board also approved a credit facility to enable flexible execution as part of the company’s capital allocation strategy. https://t.co/zucPBrIqOQ

— Simon Gerovich (@gerovich) October 28, 2025

Why Metaplanet Is Buying Back Its Own Shares 

In its latest disclosure, Metaplanet noted that recent market volatility and a decline in its mNAV have led to its stock being undervalued. 

The mNAV compares the company’s enterprise value to the market value of its Bitcoin holdings. When it falls below 1.0x, the company’s shares are seen as trading below their fair value based on BTC reserves. 

To address this, Metaplanet launched a capital management plan designed to maximize BTC yield and improve capital efficiency. 

Metaplanet’s stock is currently trading at 499 JPY, up 2.5% over the past day and roughly 18% over the last five days. Its mNAV has also recovered to 1.03 as of the time of writing.

The buyback program will cover up to 150 million common shares, representing about 13.13% of its total outstanding shares, excluding treasury shares. It will run from October 29, 2025, to October 28, 2026 and buybacks will be conducted through purchases on the Tokyo Stock Exchange under a discretionary trading agreement.

$500M Credit Line Announced

In order to give the company more flexibility in carrying out the repurchase program, the board has also approved a credit facility with a borrowing limit of up to USD 500 million (around JPY 76.4 billion).

This allows the company to secure funds using its Bitcoin holdings as collateral whenever needed. The funds raised could be used for additional Bitcoin purchases, investments in its Bitcoin Income business, or share buybacks. 

The credit line also plays a major role in the Company’s financial strategy and is expected to serve as bridge financing ahead of its planned issuance of preference shares. 

Metaplanet’s Capital Allocation Policy

Metaplanet has also created a new Capital Allocation Policy designed to maximize sustainable value creation. It will be guided by three fundamental principles.

Metaplanet plans to actively utilize preferred shares, to strengthen BTC yield and enhance long-term shareholder value. It will avoid new issuances when mNAV is below 1.0x, and pursue them only when mNAV exceeds 1.0x and valuations and strategic conditions clearly support long-term shareholder value.

And if mNAV falls below 1.0x, the Company will actively consider share buybacks to enhance BTC yield and shareholder value.

It also noted that the funding sources for share repurchases may include cash reserves, funds raised from preferred share issuances, credit facilities, or income generated by its Bitcoin-related business operations.

Since April 2025, the company has expanded its Bitcoin Treasury Strategy, now holding 30,823 BTC, making it the fourth-largest public Bitcoin holder globally and the largest in Asia. 

The company is also committed to its long-term goal of acquiring 210,000 BTC by the end of 2027.

Despite what appears to have been a setback, Metaplanet continues to show strong conviction in Bitcoin’s long-term potential.

The post ClearBank to Join Circle’s Payments Network and Expand Stablecoin Access appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

ClearBank, a technology-enabled clearing bank, is making a major push into digital finance to expand stablecoin use and improve cross-border payments across Europe.

Strategic Alliance Between ClearBank and Circle

ClearBank has announced a strategic framework agreement with a subsidiary of Circle Internet Group, the stablecoin giant behind USDC and EURC. 

Through this partnership, the two companies will work together on a range of initiatives in the European market.

Initially, the focus will be on expanding access to USDC and EURC, Circle’s MiCA-compliant, fully reserved stablecoins, through Circle Mint in Europe. This move places ClearBank as a core infrastructure partner for banks and fintechs, that are looking for trusted, multi-currency stablecoin solutions for payments, treasury, and liquidity use cases. 

ClearBank to Join Circle’s Payments Network

ClearBank is taking another big step by planning to join Circle’s Payments Network (CPN), making it one of the first European banks to do so. This will let clients move money around the world at internet speed, with the transparency of blockchain technology.

By linking its cloud-based banking system with Circle’s infrastructure, including Circle Mint and the Circle Payments Network, ClearBank is bridging traditional and digital finance to make cross-border payments faster and cheaper.

Mark Fairless, CEO of ClearBank, said this move marks a major step in ClearBank’s growth as a cross-border payments innovator.

Sanja Kon, VP of Partnerships & Business Development, EMEA at Circle, said that this partnership will expand access to USDC and EURC, helping drive faster, more transparent payments and unlock new financial services built on “open, programmable money.”

Expanding Opportunities Beyond Payments

ClearBank and Circle are also exploring additional strategic use cases, including stablecoin-based treasury solutions and future tokenized asset settlement integrations.

Circle launched the CPN in April, to connect banks, fintechs, and payment providers to settle cross-border payments in real time using regulated stablecoins like USDC and EURC. CPN supports a wide range of cross-border use cases, from payments and remittances to treasury and onchain finance. 

Circle also became the first global stablecoin issuer to meet MiCA requirements in July 2024, well ahead of the regulation coming fully into effect later that year.

Clearbank’s move highlights the growing confidence among financial institutions in using stablecoins for global payments.

The post China’s Central Bank Governor Warns Stablecoins Pose Risks to Global Financial System appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Stablecoins have been attracting increasing attention lately as banks and institutions explore its growing role in digital finance. However, despite its rapid innovation and increased adoption, some officials believe that it is in its early stages and the risks remain. 

PBOC Governor Urges Caution

Pan Gongsheng, Governor of the People’s Bank of China, recently noted that virtual currencies, especially stablecoins issued by institutions, have seen a surge in growth over the past few years. However, he pointed out that the industry is still in its early stages. 

Moreover, global financial bodies regulators are also growing increasingly cautious about the development of stablecoins.

Global Regulators Sound the Alarm

Just ten days ago, at the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., finance ministers and central bank governors discussed stablecoin and their potential risks as one of the main topics. They noted that while stablecoins are growing popular, they still fall short of basic financial standards like the customer identification and anti-money laundering measures. 

Officials warn that these very gaps could make it easier for money-laundering, illegal cross-border transfers and even terrorist financing to occur. This has led to increased market speculation, adding pressure to the global financial system and concerns that it could even threaten the monetary sovereignty of smaller, less-developed economies.

These issues highlight the need for stronger oversight measures, before stablecoins can safely play a larger role in the financial system. 

• Also Read :
•   Canada Fast-Tracks Stablecoin Rules Ahead of November 4 Budget
•   ,

China’s Crackdown and Continued Oversight

The governor has stressed that since 2017, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), together with other departments, has introduced several policies in an effort to prevent and address the risks of domestic virtual currency trading speculation. He also noted that these measures are still in effect.

Looking ahead, the PBOC will keep working with the law enforcement agencies to continue cracking down on the operation and speculation of virtual currencies in China. At the same time, it will also closely monitor the growth of overseas stablecoins. 

Ant Group’s Push into Digital Assets

This comes as Ant Group, Alibaba’s fintech arm, filed a trademark for “AntCoin” in Hong Kong, hinting at its growing interest in Web3 and digital assets. The trademark covers a wide range of financial operations from banking, lending, foreign exchange to blockchain settlement, digital-asset custody, stablecoin issuance, and even loyalty rewards.

It has previously faced pushback as the Chinese authorities ordered the company to halt its plans due to concerns over privately controlled digital assets.

However, its latest move shows that it is moving forward despite China maintaining a tight grip on crypto activity.

FAQs

The post Crypto Markets Brace for Fed Rate Cuts, Big Tech Earnings, and Trump–Xi Meeting appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

The crypto and stock markets are gearing up for a big week ahead.

Investors will be watching for key developments from the Fed, including interest rate decisions and Powell’s conference, along with major earnings reports from tech giants and the upcoming Trump–Xi meeting. 

All of this could have a big impact on markets, giving investors long-awaited clarity on liquidity, earnings, and global trade that will shape how money moves for the rest of the year.

THIS IS GONNA BE A BIG WEEK

Wednesday:

-Fed Interest Rate & QT Decision
-Fed Chair Powell’s Press Conference
-Microsoft, Alphabet, and Meta Earnings Reports

Thursday:

– President Trump–Xi Meeting
– Apple and Amazon Earnings Reports

Expect high market volatility pic.twitter.com/kC4ynthP22

— Ash Crypto (@Ashcryptoreal) October 27, 2025

Fed Interest Rate Decision – Wednesday

Markets widely expect the Fed to cut interest rates for the second time this year in its next meeting. According to the CME FedWatch Tool, the odds of a 25-basis-point rate cut currently stand at 97.3%.

With the government shutdown cutting off access to most recent economic data, investors will be closely watching how policymakers balance inflation with a cooling job market. Analysts note the Fed must clearly explain how it is making decisions with limited data, relying on its own surveys to decide on the policy matters. 

Jerome Powell’s Press Conference – Wednesday 

Markets will also watch Powell’s tone closely in his upcoming press conference, as it could shape expectations for further rate cuts this year. If he points to easing inflation or growing signs of a weaker job market, it could reinforce the Fed’s confidence in continuing rate cuts. Ultimately, that could send money flowing back into stocks and crypto.

Powell has also hinted that quantitative tightening is nearing its end, which could influence investor sentiment. The end of QT could mark a major turning point for risk assets, as it could effectively stop draining liquidity from the markets. 

Microsoft, Alphabet, Meta Earnings – Wednesday

Big Tech earnings are up next, with Microsoft, Alphabet, and Meta reporting on Wednesday, followed by Apple and Amazon on Thursday. Strong results could give both the stock and crypto markets a solid boost.

President Trump Meets President Xi – Thursday

Finally, the highly anticipated Trump–Xi meeting on Thursday takes center stage.

U.S Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday that the U.S. and Chinese officials have agreed on a “very substantial framework” for a trade deal, setting the stage for talks between President Trump and President Xi this week.

The deal would prevent 100% U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods and delay China’s planned rare-earth export controls. Moreover, Trump is also optimistic and expects to reach an agreement soon. 

With the FOMC meeting and possible rate cuts, progress on trade talks, and the government shutdown coming to an end, the setup looks stacked with bullish catalysts. However, there is also a risk that markets may have already priced in much of the optimism, which could leave little room for growth.