# Circle Plans Entry Into About 40 Emerging and Developing Countries By John Kim Canonical URL: https://www.tokenpost.com/news/business/34054 Published: 2026-10-17T14:29:46.000Z Updated: 2026-10-17T14:29:46.000Z Section: Business > Jeremy Allaire pointed to demand across Southeast Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. USDC circulation reached $73.3 billion at the end of Q2 2026. Circle is targeting roughly 40 emerging and developing countries as demand for stablecoins and digital financial services rises across four regions, Chief Executive and Chairman Jeremy Allaire said Friday, Oct. 16. Allaire made the remarks in Bangkok during meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank. He identified Southeast Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East as regions where demand is increasing. The announcement adds regional detail to an [earlier mention of Circle's expansion plan](). Allaire described blockchain's development as moving “from the early adopter phase of blockchain technology into the mainstream scaling phase.” At Q2's close on June 30, 2026, USD Coin (USDC) had $73.3 billion in circulation, 19% higher than a year earlier. Circle Payments Network had $14.7 billion in annualized transaction volume, calculated from activity during the quarter's final 30 days, and 175 enrolled financial institutions. The $14.7 billion figure represents an annualized pace based on recent activity, not the amount transacted during Q2. A partnership with Nium links USDC settlement through Circle Payments Network to Nium's payout infrastructure, which supports settlement in local currencies across a network spanning more than 190 countries. ## Links in this article - [earlier mention of Circle's expansion plan](https://www.tokenpost.com/news/investing/33554)