USDCx Launch on Cardano Strengthens Stablecoin Ecosystem
USDCx Launch on Cardano Enables Secure USDC Liquidity via xReserve
Input Output Group has released a new significant upgrade on the Cardano ecosystem, USDCx – an asset built on top of Circle's xReserve infrastructure. This is a significant step towards increasing robust solutions on the network.
Centered on Cardano’s Critical Integrations program, this latest offering enables US DC-backed stablecoin services for users and developers alike throughout the burgeoning Cardano DeFi ecosystem along with payment solutions as well as real-world use cases.
The Cardano Critical Integrations program received community funding approval earlier this year. It is managed by five key groups within the ecosystem: Input Output Group, the Cardano Foundation, EMURGO, the Midnight Foundation, and Intersect, which serves as Cardano’s member-based administrator. In late 2025, a dedicated engineering team led by Input Output Group and Midgard Labs was formed to handle the integration work.
USDCx on Cardano is a dollar-based stablecoin that is fully backed by USDC stored in xReserve. This setup gives developers and users direct access to USDC-backed liquidity through a system designed to be secure, clear, and compatible across supported networks.
For the first 10 days, IOG will cover the bridge fees for USDCx transfers to Cardano to reduce initial costs for users. All other network and DEX charges will still be paid by the user. More details are available in the official FAQs.
USDCx on Cardano is minted using secure and verifiable attestations through xReserve. It works smoothly with Circle Gateway and the Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol (CCTP), allowing easy movement between USDCx and USDC across supported blockchains without using third-party bridges. Users can deposit USDC on Ethereum, receive USDCx on Cardano, and swap it directly into any Cardano native asset, including ADA, all within a single transaction.
USDCx on Cardano is built to work alongside the network’s existing native stablecoins. These Cardano-based stablecoins will continue to drive innovation, support decentralization, and follow Cardano’s own monetary design approach.
At the same time, USDCx can help bring more enterprise use and institutional integrations to Cardano. It connects the ecosystem with outside markets, platforms, and partners that require USDC before they can participate.
Main features of USDCx on Cardano:
- Strong security- USDCx is minted on Cardano using attestations from Circle’s audited xReserve system, instead of third-party bridges.
Works 1:1 with USDC-Â Users can move between USDCx and USDC at a 1:1 ratio across supported chains through Circle Gateway and CCTP.
Access to global liquidity-Â USDCx can be deposited into exchanges that support USDC, giving Cardano users easy access to off-ramps.
Lower trust needs-Â Transfers are confirmed through xReserve attestations, reducing dependence on external validators.
Along with the main integration work, the team is working closely with top Cardano decentralized exchanges, lending platforms, and wallet providers to prepare for launch. The goal is to ensure a smooth mainnet experience from day one. Users will be able to mint USDCx directly inside supported Cardano DEXs or lending apps and instantly trade or add liquidity without leaving the platform.
From the start, USDCx will have strong ecosystem support, offering immediate use across trading, liquidity pools, and lending in the DeFi space. The bridge portal will also provide easy access to major Cardano protocols like Minswap, Liqwid, and SundaeSwap through the DEX Direct feature. In addition, users can import funds directly from supported centralized exchanges.
With USDCx now live on Cardano through Circle’s xReserve, developers and institutions can use a USDC-backed stablecoin that broadens the financial options available on the network. Its cross-chain design supports multiple use cases across the ecosystem.
Cross-border payments-Â Enables faster and lower-cost international transfers.
Direct exchange access-Â Users can deposit USDCx into participating centralized exchanges that support it.
DEX trading-Â Supports ADA/USDCx trading pairs and liquidity pools.
Lending markets-Â Allows USDCx to be used as collateral.
Wallets and DApps-Â Supports minting and burning features where needed.
USDCx marks an important move toward Cardano’s goal of global financial inclusion, while continuing to grow alongside the network’s native stablecoin ecosystem.
About Input Output
Input Output (IO) is a global blockchain infrastructure and research engineering company focused on building a sustainable Web3 ecosystem. The firm works on advanced technologies across sectors such as healthcare, fintech, digital identity, and high-performance computing.
IO develops secure, scalable, and decentralized systems through strong research and careful engineering. It supports key technologies including Cardano, Midnight, Hydra, Lace, and others.
