Banking Financial Services

UK neobank ClearBank, Circle partner on regulated stablecoin payments

• ByStartupStory     |    October 30, 2025

UK’s ClearBank, a regulated neobank and clearing bank, has announced a strategic partnership with Circle Internet Group to integrate with Circle’s Payments Network (CPN), bringing regulated stablecoin payments to Europe. This move positions ClearBank as one of the first European banks to join CPN and offers clients near-instant cross-border transfers using Circle’s compliant stablecoins, USDC and EURC, both regulated under Europe’s MiCA framework.

Modernizing Cross-Border Payments with Regulated Stablecoins

ClearBank’s cloud-native banking platform will connect with Circle’s blockchain-based infrastructure, enabling seamless movement of funds across borders at speeds and cost efficiencies traditionally unattainable with legacy systems. By leveraging USDC (a US dollar-backed stablecoin) and EURC (a euro-backed stablecoin), ClearBank provides transparent, secure, and fully reserved digital currencies authorized for regulated use in Europe.

This integration supports institutions and fintech firms seeking faster, lower-cost money transfers, treasury operations, and liquidity management with blockchain visibility. Regulated stablecoins are seen as key infrastructure in the evolving payments landscape, bridging traditional finance and digital asset ecosystems while maintaining compliance.

Meeting Regulatory Standards and Industry Demand

Both ClearBank and Circle emphasize adherence to regulatory requirements as foundational to their partnership. With growing scrutiny of stablecoins from European regulators, the emphasis on MiCA-compliance for USDC and EURC ensures these digital assets meet rigorous consumer protection, transparency, and reserve backing standards.

Circle’s Payments Network launched in early 2025 with a select group of partners and has rapidly expanded, bolstering the mainstream adoption of stablecoin payments. ClearBank’s participation underscores the demand from banks and fintechs for enterprise-grade stablecoin networks that combine speed, regulatory certainty, and operational scalability.

Strategic Importance for ClearBank

ClearBank was among the first clearing banks in the UK to embrace crypto-friendly innovation while maintaining full regulatory status. With this partnership, it strengthens its position as a bridge between traditional banking and blockchain-enabled finance.

According to ClearBank executives, the collaboration helps offer customers near instant, low-cost international payment corridors without compromising on compliance or transparency. Integrating with Circle Payments Network enables ClearBank to offer cutting-edge cross-border solutions aligned with European digital asset regulatory frameworks.

Broader Implications for the European Market

Circle’s stablecoins, coupled with ClearBank’s infrastructure, could accelerate the digitization of cross-border payments across Europe—a region historically challenged by fragmented payment rails and slow processing times. This collaboration could spur the development of new financial products leveraging tokenized assets, programmable payments, and digital treasury management tools.

In addition to payment facilitation, both companies are exploring the potential of tokenized asset settlements and stablecoin-based treasury solutions. These innovations promise to reshape not only payments but also liquidity optimization for corporate clients, fintechs, and financial institutions.

Future Outlook

ClearBank’s entry into Circle Payments Network represents a significant milestone in mainstream digital asset adoption. By melding regulated banking with blockchain-enabled stablecoins, it offers a glimpse into a future where digital money enhances global commerce with speed, security, and compliance at its core.

As regulatory clarity improves and client demand grows, more banks and payment providers are expected to integrate with blockchain-based stablecoin networks. ClearBank and Circle’s partnership will likely catalyze broader acceptance of stablecoins in regulated financial markets, driving innovation and inclusion in European payments infrastructure.

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