Circle Moves From Ireland to US, Eyes IPO

Crypto News Business

Written by Aaron S.,

Editor-In-Chief

Last Updated: May 15, 2024

Key Takeaways

Circle Internet Financial, the issuer of USDC, plans to move its legal headquarters from Ireland to the United States, potentially to strengthen its market position ahead of an IPO;
The move will require Circle to navigate SEC regulations;
The decision may have been influenced by OECD tax reforms, which reduced the benefits of Ireland's lower corporate taxes.

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Circle Moves From Ireland to US, Eyes IPO

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Circle Internet Financial, the issuer of USD Coin (USDC)—the world's second-largest stablecoin—plans to relocate its legal headquarters from Ireland to the United States.

This change is potentially part of Circle's strategy to solidify its market position as it prepares for an initial public offering (IPO).

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The shift to the US may be driven by increasing regulatory demands within the country, making the decision an important step in its preparation for going public. Circle will now have to comply with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations, which may pose challenges, as exemplified by ongoing lawsuits against crypto firms such as Ripple.

On the other hand, Circle's presence in Ireland gave it access to the European Union, which is also known for its strict regulatory approach towards the crypto industry.

The decision may have also been influenced by global tax reforms initiated by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which enforced a minimum 15% tax on multinational enterprises. This reduces the financial benefits of Ireland's lower corporate tax rates and makes the US, despite its higher taxes, a more feasible base for Circle.

Overall, Circle's transition to the US and its commitment to regulatory compliance helps to maintain its position as a leader in the FinTech sector.

In other news, the CEO of Tether, Circle's rival, recently had to defend Tether in response to allegations that it faced scrutiny from US regulators.