# Circle Targets 40 Emerging Markets as USDC Volume Surges

- URL: https://stocks.freetheai.org/news/circle-targets-40-emerging-markets-as-usdc-volume-surges-022d17
- Published: 2026-10-17T11:01:58Z
- Category: crypto; sentiment: mixed; impact: medium
- Symbols: [NYSE:CRCL](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/NYSE-CRCL), [CRYPTO:USDCUSD](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/CRYPTO-USDCUSD)
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Circle Internet Group, Inc. (NYSE:CRCL) plans to enter approximately 40 emerging markets as global interest in digital currencies accelerates. Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Allaire noted that blockchain technology has moved past early adoption into mainstream expansion, driven by surging demand for stablecoins among businesses and consumers in Southeast Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East seeking internet-based financial tools.

The move builds on a strengthening market position for the company's dollar-pegged token, USDC (CRYPTO:USDCUSD). Although USDC remains second to Tether's USDT in total market capitalization, it has overtaken its rival in trading volume. Adjusted transaction volume share for USDC increased from about 40% in 2025 to over 60% in 2026, highlighting a shift toward USDC in active cross-border usage.

Investors are monitoring how Circle integrates these regional expansion plans alongside its pending acquisition of Tazapay. Circle agreed in September to purchase the Singapore-based cross-border payments platform in an all-stock deal valued at $400 million, with completion slated for 2027. Meanwhile, Circle shares fell 5.46% to $82.22 in recent trading.

## Key points

- Circle Internet Group plans to enter around 40 emerging markets across Southeast Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East.
- USDC's share of adjusted stablecoin transaction volume grew from roughly 40% in 2025 to over 60% in 2026, surpassing Tether in trading volume.
- Circle agreed in September 2026 to acquire cross-border payments platform Tazapay in a $400 million all-stock deal expected to close in 2027.
- Shares of Circle Internet Group fell 5.46% to $82.22 following the market updates.

## Questions and answers

### How many emerging markets is Circle planning to enter?

Circle is seeking entry into about 40 emerging markets across Southeast Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East to meet growing demand for internet-based financial tools.

### What is USDC's current market share in stablecoin trading volume?

USDC's share of adjusted stablecoin transaction volume rose from approximately 40% in 2025 to more than 60% in 2026, making it the leader in transaction volume over Tether's USDT.

### What cross-border payments company is Circle acquiring?

Circle agreed to acquire Singapore-based Tazapay in an all-stock transaction valued at $400 million, which is scheduled to close in 2027.