Part 2/13:
The Shift Toward Company-Controlled Blockchains
Traditionally, the promise of blockchain technology has hinged on decentralization. Yet, the move by large corporations into blockchain infrastructure indicates a different approach—one prioritizing control, speed, privacy, and seamless integration over openness.
Circle and the ARK Blockchain
Circle, the company behind the prominent stablecoin USDC, exemplifies this shift. Originally a startup aiming to improve payments using Bitcoin, Circle pivoted to Ethereum-based stablecoins, which quickly became foundational in DeFi ecosystems. But in August, Circle announced a new blockchain called ARK—a purpose-built platform designed exclusively for stablecoin payments.