Circle makes a dazzling debut on the stock market: soaring by +200% on its first trading day, valuing the company well beyond initial expectations.
Ark Invest and BlackRock Take Positions, Signaling the Strategic Importance of Stablecoins in Financial Infrastructure.
The IPO of Circle marks a turning point: stablecoins are now seen as the foundation of tomorrow’s finance, supported by clearer regulations.
It’s a strong signal to the markets: the appetite for stablecoin issuers is real. Circle, the parent company of USDC, saw its shares skyrocket on its first day of trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The company raises $1.1 billion and solidifies its status as a strategic pillar in the crypto financial infrastructure.
An Impressive Surge for CRCL Stock
Priced at $31 on Wednesday evening, CRCL shares opened at $69 on Thursday morning, reaching temporarily $100 during the session, representing over 200% above its offering price. By the end of the day, the price stabilized around $80, well above expectations.
This IPO valued Circle at $6.9 billion before the rapid increase, marking a major turning point for the company founded by Jeremy Allaire. After the failed attempt to merge with a SPAC in 2021, the company finally finds its way to the public markets, at a time when the stablecoin sector is gaining ground economically and regulatory wise.
Backing by Giants: Ark and BlackRock Buying In
Among the declared buyers are two asset management giants. Ark Invest, led by Cathie Wood, had planned to acquire up to $150 million worth of Circle shares. BlackRock, on the other hand, aims for a 10% stake according to regulatory filings.
This confidence from major funds contrasts with the overall decline seen on Thursday in crypto stocks like Coinbase or MicroStrategy, or even in the price of Bitcoin. Circle, on the other hand, seems to benefit from a different narrative: that of an infrastructure player in line with emerging regulation.
A Bet on the Future of Stablecoins
Circle is not just selling a stock. They are selling a vision: one where stablecoins become pillars of global payments. In 2025, the demand for dollar-backed tokens has increased, driven by clearer political signals in the United States and growing interest in more efficient cross-border payment tools.
Deutsche Bank even anticipates massive adoption in the coming years. According to the German bank, stablecoins not only strengthen the dollar’s supremacy, but also establish themselves in treasury management, digital payments, and international settlements.
The IPO of Circle could be one of the first milestones of this shift. For investors, it’s no longer just a bet on crypto, but on a new financial backbone.
