TLDR Crypto · INNOVATION & LAUNCHES

CIRCLE OPENS BITCOIN-BACKED USDC BORROWING TO MINT CLIENTS, ROUTED THROUGH MORPHO

thedefiant.io3 min read

Summary from the TLDR Crypto newsletter

Circle has launched a Bitcoin-backed USDC borrowing facility for Mint clients through Morpho's Arc market, wrapping deposited BTC as cirBTC to serve as collateral. The cirBTC/USDC market grew ~10x in five days, from $1.37 million on September 17 to $14.3 million in borrowed USDC against 287 cirBTC tokens. Galaxy and Keyrock supply the dollar liquidity, while Circle handles cirBTC issuance and wallet infrastructure, and Morpho governs loan terms. The structure gives institutional Bitcoin holders access to USDC without liquidating their BTC positions.