Circle Signs Deal to Acquire Interop Labs team and IP
Circle has agreed to acquire the Interop Labs team, including its personnel and proprietary technology, to integrate into its infrastructure business. Interop Labs is known for developing the Axelar Network, which facilitates cross-chain messaging and asset transfers. The acquisition, expected to close in early 2026, does not include the Axelar Network itself, its foundation, or the AXL token, which will remain community-governed. Circle will incorporate Interop Labs’ technology into its Arc blockchain and Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol (CCTP). Common Prefix will take over development work on the open-source Axelar Network. Circle expects this acquisition to accelerate asset interoperability on Arc, improve multichain developer tools, and enhance Circle’s product offerings. In 2025, stablecoin issuers have made several acquisitions to expand infrastructure and business lines. Paxos acquired Fordefi to strengthen its custody and transaction capabilities, while Tether has taken minority stakes in several traditional asset companies and made an unsuccessful attempt to acquire a controlling stake in Juventus Football Club. Circle remains a major stablecoin issuer, accounting for about 25% of the global market with USDC.
