Circle Internet Financial, during its Converge22 conference, announced new merchant services aimed at simplifying the acceptance of USDC and cryptocurrency payments. The company envisions a world where stablecoins like USD Coin (USDC) become true digital cash, facilitating global transactions with minimal friction. USDC, which is fully reserved with cash and U.S. Treasuries, is already operational on eight blockchains, with plans to expand to five more. Circle is developing an open merchant payment platform that integrates stablecoin infrastructure, allowing merchants to accept digital currency payments in USDC, Bitcoin, and Ethereum through a single API, while also introducing a Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol to streamline payment flows. The platform supports real-time payment notifications, integrates with major crypto wallets and services like Apple Pay and Google Pay, and aims to reduce checkout friction. Future plans include expanding wallet integrations, enabling gasless transactions, and enhancing privacy with zero-knowledge layers, positioning Circle to enhance interoperability within the global payments ecosystem.