World Chain has integrated native USD Coin (USDC) and Circle’s Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol V2 (CCTP V2), marking a significant partnership between the biometric identity blockchain and one of the largest regulated stablecoin issuers in the world.
The upgrade replaces bridged USDC with native issuance on World Chain, while retaining the same smart contract address, allowing existing users and developers to continue without changes.
The move is intended to improve liquidity, reduce risks associated with synthetic bridging, and provide access to Circle’s full on- and off-ramp infrastructure.
Circle’s CCTP V2, launched alongside the integration, allows users to send USDC across supported blockchains within seconds. The protocol also includes support for Hooks, automated functions that trigger actions once funds arrive, to expand programmability for developers.
World Chain, developed by Tools for Humanity and backed by Sam Altman, has emphasized digital identity through its World ID system, with over 27 million people verified globally.
By combining identity authentication with native USDC, the network aims to support applications that require verified users, such as fraud-resistant payments, P2P transfers, and access-controlled financial tools.
Apps like Daimo Pay and Morpho have already started using these identity features in combination with USDC for verified payments and transfers.
Circle public push
USDC, launched by Circle in 2018, has processed over $25 trillion in on-chain transactions and currently holds a circulating supply of nearly $60 billion. It is the second-largest stablecoin globally and is fully backed by dollar reserves.
The World Chain integration follows Circle’s public market debut on the New York Stock Exchange earlier this month. The company’s shares surged on opening day, pushing its market valuation above $20 billion.
The listing is a key moment for stablecoins’ integration in mainstream finance, particularly as lawmakers work toward formal frameworks for digital dollar assets.
Circle’s strategy has focused on replacing synthetic and bridged stablecoin models with native issuance across multiple chains, a shift now evident in its collaboration with World Chain.
The partnership brings regulated dollar infrastructure to an identity-based blockchain, as both projects seek to expand financial services with stronger guarantees of trust, speed, and compliance.