Circle Internet Group, Inc. has officially partnered with Polymarket to enhance onchain financial markets. This collaboration, announced on February 5, 2026, will shift Polymarket’s trading infrastructure to utilize native USDC, a dollar-backed stablecoin issued by Circle’s regulated affiliates.
Transition to Native USDC
Currently, Polymarket operates using Bridged USDC (USDC.e) on the Polygon network. However, this partnership marks a strategic move towards integrating native USDC as collateral for trading activities. Native USDC is redeemable at a 1:1 ratio with US dollars, offering increased capital efficiency and scalability for the platform.
Statements from Leaders
Jeremy Allaire, Co-Founder and CEO of Circle, emphasized the importance of this partnership in enhancing user experience. He stated that Circle’s system is designed to facilitate fast, efficient capital movement, while Polymarket streamlines prediction markets through quick information processing.
Shayne Coplan, Founder and CEO of Polymarket, acknowledged the significance of utilizing USDC. He noted that this move will improve market integrity and reliability, ultimately fostering a stronger environment for prediction markets.
Building a Transparent Financial Infrastructure
This partnership highlights a growing trend where established financial organizations collaborate to elevate the standards of digital asset markets. Polymarket aims to create a transparent, institutional-grade prediction market, aligning itself with notable institutions like the Intercontinental Exchange.
- Circle’s Role: Provides a reliable settlement infrastructure through USDC.
- Polymarket’s Goals: To enhance market reliability and participate in the evolving digital asset landscape.
- Broader Impact: This collaboration aims to integrate payment stablecoins into trusted onchain systems.
About Circle and Polymarket
Circle is a leader in the internet financial sector, known for building foundational digital asset infrastructure. Their offerings include a stablecoin network anchored by USDC and a global payments platform.
Polymarket stands as the largest prediction market worldwide, allowing users to wager on outcomes of future events. The platform has facilitated billions of dollars in predictions across various sectors, including politics and pop culture, reflecting its growing importance in real-time information dissemination.
This collaboration between Circle and Polymarket represents a significant step toward modernizing financial markets and enhancing user experiences through innovative solutions.
