On the 16th of September, Arc launched their first public mainnet to bring USDC directly into the network’s core design. Unlike other chains, which utilize a separate token for gas, Arc utilizes USD Coin [USDC] as the fee and settlement currency.
This maintains cost in dollars and will likely make it easier to manage treasuries for institutional users. Simultaneously, deterministic sub-second finality targets payments and capital market activity, where even minor delay can create friction.
The network also starts with 11 external validators, including BlackRock, Visa, Mastercard, and DTCC. In addition, over 100 developers created an application prior to the launch of the platform.
In order for Arc to successfully leverage the large scale of USDC into continuous activity on their network, they will have to overcome one major hurdle. This will be converting USDC’s existing scale into sustained activity on its network.