Circle Internet Group (NYSE: CRCL) entered into an expanded strategic partnership with Binance on September 17, 2026, centered on the promotion of USDC through Circle's Modular Smart Contract Wallet infrastructure service.

As part of the arrangement, Circle agreed to pay Binance a monthly incentive fee based on a percentage of USDC held through the wallet infrastructure service. Binance agreed to undertake certain promotional activities for USDC on its platform. The agreement carries a five-year term and supersedes prior agreements made in November 2024 and August 2025. Both parties retain the right to terminate the arrangement early under specified conditions.

Concurrent with the commercial agreement, Circle issued and sold 1,237,011 shares of its Class A common stock to Binance at $80.84 per share, generating $100 million in aggregate proceeds. The price represents a discount to the market price of the Class A common stock prior to closing. The shares were sold in a private placement exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933.

Under the terms of the subscription agreement, Binance is subject to a lock-up restricting the sale, transfer, or hedging of the shares for a period ending on the earlier of two years from the closing date or the termination of the commercial arrangements by Binance under certain circumstances. Binance retains full voting rights on the shares during the lock-up period. Standard exceptions apply, including transfers among Binance affiliates and dispositions required by law.