Digital asset custody specialist Copper has announced a strategic partnership with Circle to facilitate institutional trading and settlement in USD Coin (USDC). The integration enables Copper’s institutional clients to convert off-exchange balances into the dollar-pegged stablecoin and utilize USDC for instantaneous trading across connected exchanges. Crucially, all assets remain protected within Copper’s ClearLoop network throughout the entire process – maintaining security while enhancing liquidity.
The collaboration addresses two critical institutional needs: risk mitigation and capital efficiency. “Our solution allows clients to manage collateral and settle trades across multiple venues without counterparty risk exposure,” explained Ben Lorente, Copper’s Strategic Alliances Director. The ClearLoop technology ensures assets never leave Copper’s secure custody environment during USDC conversions or exchange settlements.
Circle’s VP of European Partnerships Sanja Kon emphasized the infrastructure benefits: “This deepens USDC’s utility as a settlement rail while maintaining Copper’s robust security standards.” The partnership comes as institutional stablecoin adoption grows, with USDC’s market capitalization recently surpassing $30 billion. Analysts note such integrations are crucial for bridging traditional finance with digital asset markets.
