Circle has agreed to acquire Singapore-based cross-border payments firm Tazapay in a $400 million all-stock deal, giving the USDC issuer access to payment networks spanning more than 100 markets. Tazapay’s stablecoin-heavy transaction volume could strengthen Circle’s push to expand USDC across global commerce.
Circle Targets Global Payment Infrastructure
Tazapay processes more than $25 billion in annualized payment volume and works with over 60 banking and fintech partners. More than 60% of its payment activity was settled through stablecoins as of July 31, 2026, up sharply from the $10 billion level reported in August 2025.
The transaction is expected to close in 2027 after customary conditions and approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Circle will pay with Class A common stock, with the share count tied to a 20-day volume-weighted average price before closing.
Circle payments executive Irfan Ganchi said the acquisition will expand the company’s ability to send and receive payments globally around the clock, supporting its ambition to make USDC a widely used rail for cross-border commerce.
Tazapay also brings local payout connections across APAC, South Asia, and other markets. These links can help Circle handle the difficult final stage of international transfers, including converting digital dollars into local currency and sending funds through domestic banking systems.
The companies already have a working relationship. Tazapay has served as a design partner for Circle Payments Network since 2025, while Circle previously invested in the company. Tazapay had raised $57.9 million in total capital, with Ripple also among its investors.
USDC Pushes Deeper Into Payments
Circle’s acquisition comes as stablecoin companies compete to control more of the payment process, from transaction routing and settlement to local payouts. Tazapay’s existing stablecoin activity gives Circle a network already familiar with digital-dollar transactions.
The deal could help Circle reduce reliance on outside payment partners while expanding USDC access in markets where cross-border transfers remain costly or fragmented. Tazapay’s banking relationships and reach across more than 100 markets add local connections that would take time to build independently.
For Tazapay customers, Circle said existing products, APIs, pricing, and support will continue without immediate changes. If the acquisition closes as planned, Circle will shift from investor and partner to owner, bringing another payments network directly under its control.
The deal may also increase competition across the stablecoin payments sector. Ripple is developing payment services around XRP and RLUSD, while banks and fintech firms are working on tokenized deposits and other digital-dollar products.
