ClearBank and Circle Modernize Cross-Border Finance with MiCA-Compliant Stablecoins

ClearBank, a U.K.-based crypto-friendly neobank and regulated provider of Faster Payments, is set to join the Circle Payments Network (CPN), marking a significant step in expanding access to Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA)-compliant stablecoins across Europe. The strategic partnership, announced in a joint press release, will link ClearBank's cloud-native banking platform with Circle's blockchain-based infrastructure, enabling faster cross-border transactions and enhancing access to regulated stablecoins like USDC and EURC, as detailed in a FintechNews report.

The collaboration positions ClearBank as one of the first European banks to integrate with CPN, a network designed to facilitate near-instant global value transfers with blockchain transparency. By leveraging Circle's Circle Mint platform, ClearBank will allow financial institutions to mint and redeem USDC and EURC tokens that are fully reserved and aligned with MiCA regulations, the press release said. This integration is expected to reduce reliance on traditional banking systems for routine operations such as corporate payments and international remittances, cutting costs and processing times, FintechNews noted.

Mark Fairless, ClearBank's CEO, described the move as a "milestone" in modernizing cross-border finance, emphasizing the synergy between ClearBank's regulated banking infrastructure and Circle's digital currency expertise, as reported in the press release. Sanja Kon, Circle's VP of EMEA partnerships, highlighted that the partnership will expand access to "open, programmable money," enabling faster settlements and fostering new financial services, FintechNews added.

The partnership also reflects broader industry momentum around stablecoin-driven payments. Since Circle launched CPN in April 2025, its main revenue-sharing partner, Coinbase, has already integrated stablecoin-based offerings. ClearBank's entry into CPN underscores the growing role of stablecoins in streamlining cross-border transactions while adhering to stringent regulatory frameworks, the press release observed.

Notably, ClearBank had previously explored launching its own stablecoin but faced regulatory hurdles, particularly with the Bank of England, according to the press release. This shift to leveraging Circle's infrastructure suggests a pragmatic approach to navigating Europe's evolving crypto landscape. The collaboration also opens avenues for future use cases, including stablecoin-based treasury services and tokenized asset settlements, FintechNews reported.

As MiCA regulations take full effect, the partnership aligns with a wave of crypto firms seeking compliance advantages in the EU. While ClearBank focuses on payments innovation, other firms like Blockchain.com have secured MiCA licenses in Malta, according to a Yahoo Finance report. However, regulatory disparities across the bloc persist, with French, Austrian, and Italian authorities recently calling for stronger EU-level oversight to address inconsistencies in national supervision, the Yahoo Finance report also noted.