Arc is an open Layer-1 blockchain platform developed by Circle specifically for stablecoin financial applications. It delivers high performance and focuses on creating a reliable ecosystem.
Key Features of Arc
Arc features several key functionalities:
* **USDC as native gas**: Predictable low fees priced in USD. * **Built-in FX engine**: RFQ system enabling round-the-clock price discovery. * **Instant finality**: Sub-second settlements powered by the high-performance Malachite consensus engine. * **Optional privacy**: Ability to shield transactions as needed for compliance. * **Full Circle ecosystem integration**: Support for various financial tools and services.
What Can Be Built on Arc
Arc opens opportunities for developing a variety of stablecoin-based applications:
* **Automated commerce and programmable payments**: Integration of verifiable identities and programmable rules into payment processes. * **Cross-border payments**: Streamlining international transactions with fast processing. * **Capital market settlements and tokenized collateral**: Supporting instantaneous settlements with various financial instruments. * **Stablecoin FX perpetual contracts**: Creating markets for trading on stablecoin pairs. * **On-chain credit with real-world trust signals**: Designing lending protocols considering various factors.
Principles for a New Era of Finance
Arc is built on five principles:
* **Purpose-built**: Focused on financial applications related to stablecoins. * **Open and composable**: Available for development by anyone. * **Market-neutral and multichain-aligned**: Supporting interaction with other blockchains. * **Coordination over control**: Open infrastructure for financial sector participants. * **End-to-end trusted infrastructure**: Transparency and reliability in architecture and governance.
Arc represents a significant step towards a new financial landscape, providing a reliable and sustainable environment for developing stablecoin-related applications.
