Stablecoin issuer Circle is launching a major upgrade to USDC’s infrastructure with a new product called Gateway, aimed at resolving long-standing friction in moving USD Coin across multiple blockchain networks.
Announced in a July 1 press release, Gateway is described as an infrastructure layer that will enable instant, cross-chain liquidity for USDC without requiring users to rely on traditional blockchain bridges.
The solution addresses one of the key challenges in the stablecoin space: liquidity fragmentation across isolated blockchain environments. A user with USDC on one network such as Ethereum cannot easily use those funds on another network like Avalanche or Base without going through a time-consuming and often expensive bridging process.
Unified USDC balance across chains
To simplify this process, Circle’s Gateway introduces a non-custodial smart contract that enables users to deposit USDC into a unified balance. That balance is then made instantly accessible across supported networks, removing the need to manually transfer tokens or switch chains.
For business users, the new system dramatically reduces the need to pre-fund wallets across multiple chains. Instead, Gateway enables on-demand liquidity, which Circle will increase capital efficiency and reduce operational costs tied to multi-chain asset management.
Gateway will initially be available in testnet mode this July, with early support for Ethereum, Avalanche, and Base. Additional chains will be supported in future updates.
Broader strategy: Circle eyes trust bank status
The Gateway rollout comes as Circle continues to expand its regulatory footprint. The company recently filed an application with the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to become a national trust bank.
If approved, the move would allow Circle to directly manage USDC’s reserve assets and offer digital asset custody services to institutional clients. The application underscores Circle’s ambition to operate within the regulated financial system while bridging the gap between traditional finance and blockchain infrastructure.
As one of the largest stablecoin issuers in the crypto space, Circle’s Gateway launch is poised to be a key development in streamlining multi-chain USDC usage for both consumers and enterprises.