Crypto Giant Circle Ceases USDC Support on Tron Blockchain
In a move aimed at reinforcing trust and security, Boston-headquartered crypto firm Circle has announced the discontinuation of USDC token support on the Tron blockchain network.
This decision, communicated via a blog post on Wednesday, reflects Circle’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of USDC, the second-largest stablecoin in circulation.
Effective immediately, Circle will no longer mint USDC tokens on the Tron platform, a decision made amidst regulatory challenges faced by the blockchain’s founder in the United States.
While the company did not specify the rationale behind this move, it emphasized that ongoing risk assessments form a crucial aspect of its blockchain selection process for supporting USDC.
Under the outlined transition plan, institutional clients holding USDC on Tron can transfer their tokens to alternative blockchains or redeem them for traditional currency until February 2025.
Retail customers, on the other hand, are granted the flexibility to transfer USDC to other blockchains or redeem them through crypto exchanges and brokerages.
Circle’s action comes on the heels of its termination of accounts associated with Tron founder Justin Sun and his affiliated entities last year.
Sun has been embroiled in legal proceedings initiated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which accused him of violating securities laws by artificially inflating trading volumes and offering unregistered securities.
It’s worth noting that Circle’s decision primarily impacts USDC on the Tron blockchain and not individual users or related businesses.
USDC, boasting a circulation of approximately $28 billion, ranks as the eighth-largest cryptocurrency token globally, with a significant portion—valued at $335 million—hosted on the Tron network.
Recent reports have raised concerns about Tron’s association with crypto transfers linked to entities designated as terror organizations by various governments.
In response, Tron has asserted its lack of control over the users of its technology and denied any direct involvement with the identified groups.
As Circle takes this proactive step to safeguard USDC’s reputation and compliance standards, the crypto industry continues to navigate evolving regulatory landscapes and address emerging challenges.
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