Circle, the issuer behind $74 billion worth of USDC stablecoins, is exploring the possibility of enabling reversible transactions, a significant shift that aims to bring blockchain payments in line with traditional finance standards.
Key Takeaways:
Speaking to the Financial Times, Circle President Heath Tarbert said the company is weighing how to add refund capabilities to USDC payments in cases of fraud or disputes, without compromising the finality of settlement that blockchain systems are built on.
“There’s an inherent tension between being able to transfer something immediately, but having it be irrevocable,” Tarbert noted.
The comments reflect a broader rethink within Circle as it courts financial institutions and prepares for wider stablecoin adoption in the mainstream.
The company recently began testing Arc, a new blockchain designed for institutional use, where banks, asset managers, and corporates could settle transactions such as FX payments using stablecoins.
However, Arc has drawn criticism for being too centralized, potentially clashing with the founding ethos of decentralization.
While Circle said Arc will not support direct transaction reversals, it could introduce a “counter-payment” layer, similar to how credit card refunds work.
The design would let parties agree to reverse a transaction off-chain in a compliant, transparent process, potentially making blockchain-based payments more acceptable to large institutions wary of irreversible errors or scams.
— SoSoValue (@SoSoValueCrypto) September 24, 2025
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The push for reversible payments also reflects Circle’s effort to close the gap between crypto and traditional financial systems, even as some in the industry see the move as a betrayal of blockchain’s core principles.
A venture capitalist called the concept “offensive,” questioning whether such a system still qualifies as blockchain at all.
Meanwhile, stablecoins are gaining traction in Washington. A landmark federal bill regulating the sector passed in July, and the Trump administration has voiced strong support, viewing stablecoins as a tool to extend the reach of the US dollar in global markets.
Tarbert echoed that vision but dismissed fears that stablecoins would pull deposits away from banks, suggesting the money may instead come from other assets or new capital inflows.
Goldman Sachs projects a $77 billion expansion of USDC by 2027, and Circle is adjusting its products accordingly.
The recent passage of the GENIUS Act, signed by President Trump, aims to cement the dollar’s dominance by backing dollar-pegged stablecoins in global markets.
The Treasury Department expects the stablecoin market to exceed $2 trillion by 2028, a projection that places greater emphasis on liquidity, interoperability, and regulatory alignment across the ecosystem. Tether’s latest move underscores a pragmatic shift toward that future.
As reported, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has said the stablecoin sector is poised for explosive growth, projecting the market could balloon from its current $250 billion capitalization to as much as $2 trillion in the near future.
“Many people think it will reach $1 to $2 trillion in a handful of years,” Garlinghouse said, adding that Ripple is positioned to benefit from that trajectory.
Meanwhile, Western Union is positioning itself for a new phase of digital transformation, signaling strong interest in using stablecoins to modernize its global remittance operations.
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