Circle, ACI Worldwide test USDC settlement in Colombia's banking system

This initiative aims to show how dollar-backed stablecoins can function within established banking and payment operations.

The project will integrate Circle’s USDC infrastructure with ACI Connetic, a cloud-based platform managing cross-system transactions. Colombia was chosen as the initial market due to ACI's existing involvement with the country's Bre-B instant payments network.

The collaboration is exploratory. Neither firm revealed a live USDC settlement link to Bre-B, named participating banks, or provided a date for commercial transactions. The implementation will test how banks can integrate stablecoin settlement into their current processes for payments, treasury management, and transaction oversight.

ACI Connetic unifies conventional payment methods, digital assets, and card transactions via a single platform. Instead of forcing institutions to replace current systems, the companies plan to demonstrate USDC settlement operating alongside existing payment rails. Banks can assess the technology within familiar operating structures while considering their governance and settlement needs.

Craig Ramsey, ACI Worldwide's global head of account-to-account payments, stated that financial institutions seek practical methods to introduce digital assets without disrupting current operations. He noted, "The conversation around stablecoins is moving from possibility to practicality," describing the partnership as a chance to examine stablecoin settlement through infrastructure banks already trust.

Circle Chief Commercial Officer Kash Razzaghi indicated that Latin American financial institutions show growing interest in incorporating stablecoins into current payment environments. He characterized the project as a way to explore USDC settlement while maintaining ties to traditional financial infrastructure.

Colombia was selected because ACI developed the core infrastructure for Bre-B, the nation's interoperable instant payments ecosystem. This network facilitates account-to-account transfers between participating financial institutions using infrastructure established with Banco de la República, Colombia's central bank.

ACI's existing technical role includes the addressing directory, the round-the-clock clearing and settlement engine, and interoperability services connecting providers. This gives the company experience with the nation's domestic payment arrangements.

The new collaboration has not reported any USDC transaction volume, settlement value, or customer activity. The companies are evaluating an additional settlement method, not announcing that existing Bre-B transactions have moved to a blockchain.

The announcement does not specify the precise technical connection, participating institutions, or settlement arrangements. Circle's interest in Colombia aligns with its ongoing work with payment providers seeking access to digital-dollar settlement.