Circle Acquires Axelar’s Core Developers to Accelerate Multichain Infrastructure

TLDR:

• Circle acquires Interop Labs team, enhancing multichain blockchain infrastructure.
• Arc and CCTP development will accelerate with Axelar’s core developers onboard.
• Axelar network and AXL token remain independent under community governance.
• Integration expands SDKs and developer tools for seamless multichain applications.

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Circle has announced a strategic agreement to acquire the Interop Labs team, the initial developers behind Axelar, a prominent cross-chain interoperability framework. 

This acquisition will integrate the team’s proprietary technology into Circle, accelerating key initiatives such as Arc, Circle’s open-layer blockchain, and the Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol (CCTP). The transaction is expected to close in early 2026.

The acquisition focuses exclusively on the Interop Labs team and their intellectual property. The Axelar Network, Foundation, and the AXL token will remain independent and continue under community governance. 

Open-source contributions to Axelar will remain publicly accessible, while Common Prefix will take over Interop Labs’ ongoing network activities.

Strengthening Circle’s Multichain Infrastructure

The integration of Axelar’s core developers is set to enhance Circle’s ability to support seamless asset transfers across multiple blockchain networks. 

Circle aims to enable secure and compliant movement of digital assets across general-purpose, sovereign, and permissioned blockchains without friction. This acquisition provides the technical expertise required to expand Arc as an Economic Operating System for the internet.

Circle highlighted that acquiring the Interop Labs team will advance interoperability efforts. 

The expertise of the team will help expand developer tools and SDKs for multichain applications. Circle plans to leverage this integration to boost first-party app development while ensuring USDC and other digital assets operate efficiently across over 100 blockchain ecosystems.

A Circle tweet stated, “We are excited to welcome the Interop Labs team to Circle as soon as the deal closes,” reflecting the company’s commitment to strengthen multichain infrastructure. 

The acquisition also aligns with Circle’s broader vision for connected, scalable, and open blockchain networks.

Interop Labs’ Transition and Ongoing Axelar Development

Interop Labs has played a leading role in developing Axelar, enabling secure cross-chain messaging and token transfers. Sergey Gorbunov, CEO of Interop Labs, said, “We’re proud to see our team and technology become a core part of Circle’s interoperability strategy.” 

The transition allows Circle to internalize specialized talent while Axelar remains an open-source project managed by the community.

Common Prefix will assume responsibility for ongoing Axelar activities previously handled by Interop Labs. This ensures continuity and long-term support for the network while preserving open-source contributions.

Nikhil Chandhok, Circle’s Chief Product and Technology Officer, commented, “Bringing Interop Labs into Circle will accelerate Arc and CCTP roadmaps toward building the hub for multichain internet finance.” 

The move strengthens Circle’s position as a central provider of cross-chain infrastructure and enhances its capacity to support frictionless digital asset transfers.

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