Circle Deploys Native USDC and CCTP on OKX X Layer

The integration replaces reliance on bridged tokens, which previously required locking assets on Ethereum to recreate them on the layer-2 network. By moving to native issuance, X Layer gains a standardized version of the stablecoin that integrates directly with Circle’s broader infrastructure. Qualified businesses can now manage issuance and redemption through Circle Mint, streamlining liquidity and reducing the complexities associated with wrapped assets.

Circle’s Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol simplifies movement between ecosystems by utilizing a burn-and-mint mechanism, which eliminates the need for third-party liquidity pools. With this deployment, native USDC support reaches 36 networks, while the protocol connects 26 distinct blockchains. While bridged USDC will remain available during a transition period, the company is encouraging a shift toward the native asset to consolidate liquidity.

Beyond traditional finance, the move supports X Layer’s x402 ecosystem, a framework tailored for machine-driven transactions. Software agents can now leverage USDC to automate payments for computing resources or data services without human intervention. This rollout aligns with Circle’s recent push into programmable finance, bolstered by its acquisition of IBM patents and its ongoing transition toward increased regulatory oversight via its New York trust entity.