Kenne Michael 
On Tuesday, November 14, USDC-stablecoin issuer Circle made a significant announcement regarding Circle Mint, a zero-fee minting facility.
Currently, Circle is planning to introduce this service exclusively in Singapore, as it has obtained the Major Payments Institution (MPI) license from the MAS.
Brief Overview of the Circle Mint
In an effort to ascertain compliance and dependability for its clientele in Singapore, Circle Mint Singapore declares its determination to comply with the regulations set forth by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
However, Circle is further establishing itself as a reliable entry point into the realm of digital currencies through this action.
Circle Mint Singapore provides a range of advantages to entities registered in Singapore, including:
1. No Minting Fees: Customers can enjoy the advantage of zero fees for minting or redeeming USDC. This eliminates added risks, extra fees, and long transaction times often associated with brokers and resellers.
2. Instant Availability: Fiat funds from users’ bank accounts can be swiftly and automatically converted to USDC, contingent on participating banks’ instant settlement networks. Additionally, Circle Mint Singapore also has plans to expand access to regional banking rails for near-instant settlement in the future, facilitating seamless transactions.
3. Compliance with MAS Regulations: Circle Mint Singapore is meticulously designed to align seamlessly with MAS regulations. This also ensures that financial activities are conducted efficiently and securely within the framework of regulatory guidelines.
Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of digital currencies in the Asia Pacific region necessitates the critical role that Circle Mint Singapore’s initiatives play in facilitating business access to these volatile markets.
IPO Could be A Hard Sell
As common knowledge, Circle is preparing for its initial public offering (IPO) in early 2024.
However, Jeremy Allaire, Circle chief, will face a formidable challenge in this regard, as the USDC stablecoin has been experiencing a decline in market share.
Multiple factors are identified by crypto industry leaders and investors as contributing to the decline in market share, posing difficulties for Allaire that may have yet to have immediate resolutions.
In addition, USDC’s share of the $126 billion stablecoin market has decreased to less than 19% as he refines his investor pitch.
This is a significant decline from December, when Circle, backed by Goldman Sachs Group Inc., abandoned its IPO ambitions in favor of a $9 billion valuation.
Chris Taylor, head of crypto at trading firm GSA Capital, said:
“You want to stick some growth expectation in there, and most people think that growth expectation is negative. It’s still worth something, but it’s a tough sell.”
Moreover, the association of Circle with the United States financing system has presented the organization with many obstacles.
Due to the USDC reserves held by Circle at Silicon Valley Bank at the time of its March collapse, the stablecoin experienced a destabilizing run, which caused it to deviate for an extended period from its peg to the US dollar.
Despite Circle’s prompt and successful recovery of the stranded funds from SVB within days, the incident had an adverse effect on its reputation.
After that, the circulation of USDC experienced a substantial decline of more than $10 billion within a single month, and this trend has persisted.
As a result of the occurrences, market makers lack confidence in USDC.