Binance takes $100 million Circle stake in five-year USDC deal
Binance bought $100 million in Circle shares and signed a five-year USDC promotion deal, extending the stablecoin’s reach across its global platform.
The Coinvane Desk2 min read
Binance has invested $100 million in Circle and agreed to promote USDC on its platform for five years, a deal that gives the dollar-pegged stablecoin a wider route to users. Circle’s announcement on Sept. 22 says Binance will focus on promotion and integration, especially in emerging markets, while Circle supplies services that support holding and using USDC.
How many Circle shares did Binance buy?
Binance bought 1.24 million shares of Circle’s Class A common stock for $80.84 each, according to CoinDesk’s report, which cites a Circle filing with the SEC. The private share sale closed on Sept. 17. Circle said the price reflected a 5% discount to its market price before closing.
Circle also said Binance agreed not to transfer the shares for up to two years after closing, with customary exceptions. CoinDesk reported that Binance generally cannot sell, transfer or hedge them during that period, but keeps voting rights. The investment gives Binance an equity stake in the company that issues USDC, alongside its commercial agreement to promote the coin.
How will the five-year USDC deal work?
Binance will carry out promotional activities for USDC across its platform, while Circle provides the infrastructure for holding and using it. CoinDesk, citing the filing, reported that Circle will pay Binance a monthly incentive fee based on the amount of USDC held through Circle’s Modular Smart Contract Wallet service. The companies have not published the fee percentage.
The agreement replaces earlier USDC arrangements signed in November 2024 and August 2025, CoinDesk reported. It can end early if certain events occur. Circle’s announcement describes the new term as five years and identifies emerging markets as a focus for widening USDC access.
What changes for USDC users?
The announced change is a renewed effort to promote USDC through Binance’s global platform. Binance is responsible for distribution and promotion; Circle remains responsible for the infrastructure services tied to holding and using the stablecoin. The companies say the expansion will pay particular attention to emerging markets.
The deal links Binance’s promotion of USDC with both monthly incentives tied to holdings in Circle’s wallet service and Binance’s investment in Circle. The sources do not give a target for new users, holdings or transactions under the agreement. They also do not say how much of Binance’s total USDC supply will qualify for the monthly fee.