Encode x Arc DeFi Hackathon

Encode x Arc DeFi Hackathon

Join us for a weekend of all things DeFi hacking on Arc, the Economic OS for the internet, now in public testnet. Arc is an open Layer-1 blockchain purpose-built to unite programmable money and onchain innovation with real-world economic activity. If you're an enterprise developer, application developer, or protocol developer — this event is for you. Taking place at Encode Hub, this is a full 3-day, twice-overnight hackathon for 300 builders, with a $20,000 prize pool.

Created by Circle, Arc enables builders and issuers worldwide to power the next era of onchain lending, capital markets, FX, and payments — igniting liquidity across currencies and asset classes.

Arc’s core features include:

1. Stablecoins as native gas: Gas fees are low, predictable, and fiat-based – starting with USDC.
2. Deterministic sub-second finality: Instant settlement powered by Malachite, a high-performance BFT consensus engine.
3. Opt-in configurable privacy: Balances and transactions can be selectively shielded while maintaining compliance.
4. Full Circle platform integration: USDC, EURC, USYC, Circle Mint, Wallets, Contracts, CCTP, Gateway, and Circle Payments Network (CPN).

Arc provides asset issuers and builders with a robust environment to launch, coordinate, and scale with confidence — designed to meet the needs of global businesses without compromising openness or developer experience.

As an EVM-compatible blockchain, developers can build on Arc using familiar frameworks and tools. Open and composable, Arc is where digital money meets enterprise-grade onchain infrastructure.

Here are some of the powerful use cases we’re excited to see builders bring to life on Arc:

Onchain credit with offchain trust

Design credit infrastructure that combines stablecoins with external trust signals:

1. Identity-based lending using verifiable credentials
2. Reputation-driven credit systems tied to payment history
3. SMB and consumer credit apps for underserved markets

Capital markets settlement and tokenized collateral

Modernize capital markets with stablecoin-native settlement:

1. Tokenized securities platforms with instant DvP
2. Collateral management systems for stablecoin-backed margin
3. Tokenized funds and structured products
4. Prediction markets trading real-time data and risk signals

Stablecoin FX

Create markets and services around stablecoin conversion and FX:

1. Perpetuals and derivatives exchanges
2. Swap APIs for programmatic stablecoin conversion
3. Treasury tools for cross-border payouts and rebalancing

Agentic commerce

Enable autonomous systems to transact onchain:

1. AI-mediated marketplaces where agents buy, sell, and execute
2. Machine-to-machine payment networks for IoT
3. Coordination systems for instant intent settlement

Cross-border payments and payouts

Power global money movement with fiat-backed stablecoins and instant settlement:

1. Remittance platforms for consumer transfers
2. Payout systems for marketplaces, gig workers, and payroll
3. Trade finance platforms with tokenized invoices and escrowed settlement

Location

Encode Hub, 41 Pitfield St, London N1 6DA, UK

Arc is offered by Circle Technology Services, LLC (“CTS”). CTS is a software provider and does not provide regulated financial or advisory services. You are solely responsible for services you provide to users, including obtaining any necessary licenses or approvals and otherwise complying with applicable laws.

Arc has not been reviewed or approved by the New York State Department of Financial Services.The product features described in these materials are for informational purposes only and may be modified, delayed, or cancelled without notice at the sole discretion of Circle Technology Services, LLC. Nothing herein constitutes a commitment, warranty, guarantee, or investment advice.

USDC is issued by regulated affiliates of Circle. A list of Circle’s regulatory authorizations can be found here.

EURC is issued by regulated affiliates of Circle. A list of Circle’s regulatory authorizations can be found here.

USYC is a digital asset token representing shares of the Hashnote International Short Duration Fund Ltd. The Fund appointed Circle International Bermuda Limited (“CIBL”) as token administrator. Available only to non-U.S. Persons. For informational purposes only.Circle Mint and money transmission services are provided by Circle Internet Financial, LLC (NMLS #1201441). A full list of licenses can be found here. Available only to institutions.