Circle has named a founding validator group for its Arc blockchain network. The group also suggests Circle is positioning Arc as a bridge between traditional financial market infrastructure and public blockchain-based applications. "Stablecoins and tokenised assets are inextricably linked within the future of financial market infrastructure," said Robert Mitchnick, Global Head of Digital Assets at BlackRock. "Purpose-built rails like Arc can support faster settlement, improved collateral mobility, and broader institutional adoption of digital assets. We welcome the upcoming launch of the Arc Network and are pleased to participate as a founding validator bank.