Circle, ACI Explore USDC Settlement in Colombia’s Payment Network

Circle Internet Group, the issuer of USDC, is working with payment technology firm ACI Worldwide to explore how stablecoin settlement could operate alongside Colombia’s existing banking and payment systems. 

According to an announcement on October 27, the initiative is expected to bring together ACI Connetic, ACI Worldwide’s cloud-based payment platform, and Circle’s USDC infrastructure. The goal, according to the firm, is to help banks and other financial institutions understand how they can use digital dollars to settle payments while continuing to rely on the systems they already operate. 

Why Colombia is the starting point

Colombia is the starting point because according to the announcement, ACI Worldwide built the central infrastructure powering Bre-B, the country’s instant payment system. Bre-B allows people to send money between accounts across different financial institutions.

The project will explore how USDC could work alongside this system as Colombia develops its real-time payment network. However, the announcement does not indicate that USDC has been integrated into Bre-B or that stablecoin payments are already available through the system.

Stablecoins are digital assets designed to maintain a steady value. USDC is designed to maintain a one-to-one value with the U.S. dollar, distinguishing it from cryptocurrencies whose market prices can fluctuate significantly. Its dollar peg is one reason financial institutions are examining how stablecoins could support payments and settlement.

Craig Ramsey, ACI Worldwide’s global head of account-to-account payments, said banks want to understand how this technology can work within their current systems. “The conversation around stablecoins is moving from possibility to practicality,” Ramsey said.

He added that financial institutions are assessing how digital asset settlement can fit into payment systems and existing operating processes. Through ACI Connetic, the company aims to demonstrate how regulated stablecoins could be incorporated into established payment infrastructure.

What Circle and ACI say about the partnership

Circle also sees an opportunity to connect traditional financial services with the growing digital economy. Kash Razzaghi, the company’s chief commercial officer, said financial institutions across Latin America were increasingly looking at how stablecoins could support payments and settlement. He added that working with ACI Worldwide would give institutions a practical way to explore how USDC could fit into their existing financial systems.

ACI Connetic brings traditional payments, card payments, and digital assets together on one platform. This could help financial institutions test different settlement methods without replacing their existing payment systems. The platform is also designed to support different payment networks and digital asset providers as new payment options develop.

Circle expands its stablecoin reach

The partnership adds to Circle’s efforts to expand USDC use across international markets. 

The company previously gained a foothold in Latin America in August when Mercado Pago introduced USDC to customers in Chile. Circle has also been expanding into emerging markets as interest in stablecoins grows.

Circle has also been expanding its cross-border payment operations. In September, the company agreed to acquire Singapore-based cross-border payments company Tazapay for $400 million in an all-stock deal. The agreement was signed on September 4, 2026, with completion expected in 2027, subject to regulatory approval from Singapore’s Monetary Authority and other closing conditions.

Circle has signed an agreement to acquire @Tazapay. 60+ banking and fintech partners. 100+ payment markets. 60%+ stablecoin TPV as of July 31, 2026. This accelerates the breadth and depth of CPN globally. https://t.co/L1AufIzus7

— Jeremy Allaire (@jerallaire) September 8, 2026

USDC revenue and emerging market expansion

Circle reported $1.4 billion in revenue from its USDC business during the first half of 2026, according to an October 16 report by Chief Commercial Officer Kash Razzaghi. Of that amount, $819 million went toward distribution partners and transaction costs, while $473 million covered operations and infrastructure. The remaining amount represented approximately 7% of revenue.

Razzaghi also said USDC settled more than $36 trillion in on-chain transactions during the period. Circle minted and redeemed more than $315 billion worth of USDC, averaging approximately $1.7 billion daily, including weekends and holidays.

The company’s international expansion plans provide further context for its work with ACI Worldwide. A Reuters report published October 16 said Circle was planning to expand into around 40 emerging and developing markets across Southeast Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. CEO Jeremy Allaire cited growing demand for digital dollars among individuals and businesses seeking access to internet-based financial services.

The Colombia initiative, however, remains focused on exploring how stablecoin settlement can work with existing payment infrastructure. The announcement does not confirm that USDC payments have launched through Bre-B or provide a date for a public rollout.

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