Circle has taken another step toward embedding stablecoins into mainstream payment infrastructure through a new agreement with LianLian Global, a licensed cross-border payments provider with a large international merchant base. The two firms have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the expanded use of USDC in global payment flows, reflecting growing interest in stablecoin-backed settlement as an alternative to traditional correspondent banking networks. The initiative focuses on developing payment infrastructure that can support high-volume international transactions while reducing friction for merchants and digital platforms operating across multiple jurisdictions. The move aligns with a broader shift among payment providers toward programmable, token-based settlement layers that operate alongside existing financial systems rather than replacing them outright.
The collaboration will examine how stablecoins can modernize treasury and settlement processes by shortening settlement times and improving transaction resilience. Cross-border payments have long been constrained by multiple intermediaries, delayed clearing cycles, and opaque fee structures, particularly for businesses operating across currency corridors. By leveraging stablecoin rails, Circle and LianLian Global aim to assess whether near real-time settlement and improved transparency can be delivered at scale. The partnership also places emphasis on interoperability, with both parties exploring how stablecoin-based flows can integrate with existing payment stacks used by merchants. This reflects a growing institutional focus on hybrid models that connect blockchain-native settlement with regulated payment infrastructure.
A key component of the agreement involves identifying opportunities in emerging markets, where access to efficient cross-border payment services remains uneven. Stablecoins are increasingly viewed as a tool to lower barriers for international commerce by enabling faster and more predictable settlement across borders. LianLian Global’s established presence in major trade corridors, particularly in e-commerce and digital services, provides a testing ground for new use cases that extend beyond pilot programs. The partnership also includes exploration of Circle’s proprietary blockchain infrastructure to support future payment functionality. As regulators continue to define standards for stablecoin use, collaborations between regulated issuers and licensed payment firms are becoming central to how digital settlement assets are integrated into the global financial system.
