Circle has introduced Arc, a new Layer-1 blockchain designed to enhance stablecoin transactions. The blockchain, which uses USDC for gas fees, promises sub-second transaction finality and selective privacy features. Arc is EVM-compatible and will feature its own native token. Circle, the issuer of USDC with a $77 billion market cap, anticipates Arc becoming a significant player in the crypto space by 2026, focusing on fast and scalable stablecoin transfers.