Binance invests $100 million in Circle and renews its USDC agreement

Circle and Binance announced an expanded partnership on 22 September. Binance made a $100 million equity investment in Circle through a private placement, alongside a new five-year commercial agreement. The companies said the agreement would promote USDC access and integration, particularly in emerging markets.

Circle said the Class A shares were priced at a 5% discount to the market price before closing. Binance agreed to transfer restrictions lasting up to two years, subject to customary exceptions. The arrangement combines a shareholder relationship with a commercial distribution relationship: Circle supplies infrastructure for holding and using USDC, while Binance expands its promotion and integration. The announcement does not turn USDC holdings into equity or give token users a share of Circle’s profits.