Lithic and Lightspark Launch USDC-Based Payment Cards

cryptonews.ruPublished on 2026-08-06Last updated on 2026-08-06

Abstract

Lithic, a card issuance platform, and Lightspark, a developer of infrastructure for international money transfers, have launched a joint product on the Visa network. Issued by Lead Bank, the cards will settle transactions in USD Coin (USDC). The USDC settlement mechanism is built directly into the Lightspark platform. Users' funds are held in the stablecoin and are automatically converted to local currency at the point of sale. This allows the new product to utilize the same settlement infrastructure as the company's wider payment network. Lithic will handle transaction processing through its Authorization Intelligence system, which combines payment authorization, device verification, and fraud protection into a single programmable infrastructure.

Lithic — a card issuing platform, and Lightspark — a developer of infrastructure for international money transfers, have announced the launch of a joint product based on Visa. The cards are issued by Lead Bank, and settlements are conducted in $USDC.

The $USDC settlement mechanism is built directly into the Lightspark platform. User funds are held in stablecoins and are automatically converted to local currency at the moment of payment. Thanks to this, the new product uses the same settlement infrastructure as the company's entire payment network.

Lithic, with its Authorization Intelligence system, is responsible for transaction processing. The system combines payment authorization, device verification, and fraud protection into a single programmable infrastructure.

Image: Magnific

end-content

Trending Cryptos

Related Questions

QWhich two companies are launching a new payment card product based on Visa?

ALithic and Lightspark are launching the new payment card product based on Visa.

QIn which cryptocurrency are the settlements for these new payment cards conducted?

AThe settlements for these new payment cards are conducted in the USDC stablecoin.

QWhat is the role of the Lightspark platform in this new payment card product?

AThe Lightspark platform integrates the USDC settlement mechanism directly, storing user funds in stablecoins and automatically converting them to local currency at the point of sale.

QWhat is the primary responsibility of Lithic's Authorization Intelligence system for this product?

ALithic's Authorization Intelligence system is responsible for transaction processing, combining payment authorization, device verification, and fraud protection into a single programmable infrastructure.

QWhich bank is the issuer of the payment cards launched by Lithic and Lightspark?

ALead Bank is the issuer of the payment cards launched by Lithic and Lightspark.

Related Reads

Capital is Moving from Cryptocurrency Speculation to Tokenized RWA Assets

In 2026, tokenized real-world assets (RWA) became one of the fastest-growing areas in crypto. Investors, weary of market volatility, are shifting capital from speculative crypto trading towards assets offering stable yield. These include tokenized government bonds (e.g., T-bills), private credit, real estate income, commodities, and money market funds. Data shows a clear preference for transparent, regulated products. Deposits into RWA protocols more than tripled year-on-year, reaching $7.4 billion in Q2, while spot trading activity surged 220%. The total on-chain value of tokenized RWAs exceeded $30 billion in 2026, more than doubling from the previous year, and approached $38 billion by August. RWA acts as a bridge between traditional finance and blockchain, not a replacement. It allows banks and asset managers to launch regulated products on public blockchains, while DeFi users gain access to previously unavailable real-world assets. Blockchain provides 24/7 settlements, transparency, programmability, and lower fees, while traditional finance contributes capital, regulation, and proven products. Tokenized private credit remains the largest RWA category (over $7 billion on-chain), benefiting from blockchain's cost reduction and transparency. Treasury bills are the fastest-growing institutional segment, driven by higher interest rates. Tokenized commodities, especially gold, are expanding, combining asset safety with blockchain trading ease. Real estate, though smaller, is also growing steadily. Tokenization is increasingly viewed as core financial infrastructure.

cryptonews.ru1h ago

Capital is Moving from Cryptocurrency Speculation to Tokenized RWA Assets

cryptonews.ru1h ago

Lone Bitcoin Miner Defies All Odds, Hits $200,000 Jackpot with Block Reward

A solo Bitcoin miner, contrary to all predictions, won a $200,000 jackpot as a block reward. The payment went to an address linked to CKPool, a solo-mining service. This was the 317th solo block found by the pool. The reward consisted of the 3.125 BTC fixed subsidy and about 0.032 BTC in transaction fees from 4,243 transactions. CKPool operator Dr -ck (Con Kolivas) confirmed the win, noting the miner's hashrate was "extremely volatile, presumably rented," peaking at 100 PH/s. This represented about 0.011% of Bitcoin's total network hashrate. At that level, a miner could statistically expect to find a block roughly every 64 days, far more likely than for a typical small home setup. Solo mining differs from pool mining, where rewards are shared based on contributed work. In solo mining, a miner gets nothing unless they personally find a block, but then receives the entire reward. CKPool charges a ~2% fee on blocks found. Dr -ck noted the hashrate pattern suggested rented computing power, a practice making solo wins more accessible. He also highlighted this was the first mainnet block mined after integrating Stratum V2 code into ckpool, though the block itself was found using the older Stratum V1 protocol. Against a backdrop of mining concentration in large industrial pools, such solo finds remain rare but demonstrate that anyone with sufficient hashrate can claim a full reward without corporate or government permission. The block subsidy will remain 3.125 BTC until the next halving around April 2028. The miner's identity remains unknown, as is typical. Bitcoin's mining difficulty is due for an adjustment, and network hashrate has declined from late 2025 peaks, partly due to competition for power and hardware from AI data centers.

cryptonews.ru1h ago

Lone Bitcoin Miner Defies All Odds, Hits $200,000 Jackpot with Block Reward

cryptonews.ru1h ago

Blackrock Leads with $305 Million Inflow into Bitcoin and Ether ETFs

Money continued to flow rapidly into the largest cryptocurrency ETFs. Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs collectively attracted over $305 million in inflows, with BlackRock again leading the charge, marking the third consecutive session of strong institutional demand. The broader market picture was mixed. Hyperliquid ($HYPE) ETFs finally saw renewed buying interest, while XRP ($XRP) ETFs faced outflows, and Solana-based products remained stagnant. In a strong session, Bitcoin ETFs recorded a net inflow of $244.42 million across five funds. BlackRock's IBIT dominated with $196.83 million, followed by ARK 21Shares' ARKB at $37.63 million and Fidelity's FBTC at $11.28 million. Vaneck's HODL was the sole fund to see an outflow (-$14.67 million), barely impacting the category's overall positive trend. Total trading volume reached $1.58 billion. Ethereum ETFs also continued their positive run, attracting $60.86 million. BlackRock's ETHA led with $50.34 million. The staking-oriented ETHB and Fidelity's FETH followed. No Ethereum ETF saw outflows. Among smaller tokens, Hyperliquid ETFs saw a minor but notable inflow of ~$966,690, potentially signaling easing selling pressure. Conversely, XRP ETFs experienced a $3.58 million outflow. Solana ETFs saw no net activity. The session solidified Bitcoin and Ethereum as the focal point for institutional capital, with BlackRock as the dominant source of demand, while activity in altcoin ETFs remained volatile.

cryptonews.ru1h ago

Blackrock Leads with $305 Million Inflow into Bitcoin and Ether ETFs

cryptonews.ru1h ago

Trading

Spot

Hot Articles

What is USDC(WORMHOLE)

USD Coin (Wormhole): A Comprehensive Overview Introduction In the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrencies, USD Coin (Wormhole), referred to as $USDC(Wormhole), stands out as a pioneering solution within the DeFi (Decentralized Finance) landscape. Operating on several blockchain platforms, including Solana, USD Coin (Wormhole) is more than just a digital representation of the United States dollar. It embodies the innovative spirit of modern finance, enabling seamless cross-chain transactions and enhanced interoperability among diverse blockchain ecosystems through the advanced Wormhole protocol. What is USD Coin (Wormhole)? USD Coin (Wormhole) is a tokenized version of the US dollar designed to facilitate frictionless transactions across different blockchain networks. Its primary aim is to bolster liquidity and enhance the functionality of the DeFi ecosystem. By leveraging the Wormhole protocol, which establishes a robust cross-chain communication network, users can effortlessly transfer USDC tokens across various platforms. This cross-chain capability marks a significant advancement in cryptocurrency use, promoting a more interconnected and efficient ecosystem where assets can flow freely between different blockchains. The value proposition of USD Coin (Wormhole) lies not only in its stability, being pegged to the US dollar, but also in its ability to bridge gaps between disparate blockchain environments. This innovative approach fosters a greater level of participation among users and developers, paving the way for new and exciting applications within decentralized finance. Who is the creator of USD Coin (Wormhole)? The origins of USD Coin (Wormhole) are intricately tied to the Wormhole network, which was developed by Jump Crypto. While specific individual creators are not prominently documented, Jump Crypto is notable for its involvement in advancing blockchain technology and supporting its applications in finance. By creating the Wormhole network, Jump Crypto has played a vital role in promoting cross-chain asset transfers, enhancing the efficiency and diversity of cryptocurrency usage. Who are the investors of USD Coin (Wormhole)? The success of USD Coin (Wormhole) is supported by investments from several notable funds and organizations within the cryptocurrency realm. Key investors include: Coinbase Ventures: A prominent venture capital arm backed by one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges in the industry, Coinbase Ventures provides essential capital and strategic support to promising blockchain projects. Arrington XRP Capital: Specializing in digital assets, Arrington XRP Capital recognizes the potential of innovative projects like USD Coin (Wormhole) and has invested accordingly to back its development. Jump Trading: As the parent organization of Jump Crypto, Jump Trading brings not only investment but a wealth of expertise in trading technology and market dynamics to bolster the Wormhole project. How Does USD Coin (Wormhole) Work? The operational framework of USD Coin (Wormhole) is intricately designed to facilitate effective cross-chain transactions, maximizing security and efficiency. Here’s a simplified overview of how it functions: Asset Locking: When a user wishes to transfer USDC from one blockchain to another, they first lock their tokens on the source blockchain. This process ensures that the assets are secure and are set to be either burned or moved later. Token Minting: After the tokens are locked, an equivalent amount of USDC is minted on the destination blockchain. This provides the user with access to their funds on a new platform, reflecting the flexibility that the Wormhole protocol enables. Cross-Chain Transfer: The Wormhole protocol efficiently facilitates the entire transfer process. It ensures that once the USDC is minted on the destination chain, the equivalent tokens are burned on the source chain. The result is a seamless transfer of value between two distinct blockchain environments. This cross-chain methodology ensures that transactions remain secure and transparent, significantly enhancing liquidity within the different DeFi ecosystems. Timeline of USD Coin (Wormhole) Understanding the evolution of USD Coin (Wormhole) provides vital context for its significance in the cryptocurrency arena. Here’s a timeline highlighting important milestones in the project’s history: 2021: The Wormhole project is launched, establishing a framework for cross-chain asset transfers and setting the stage for the development of USD Coin (Wormhole). 2022: The Wormhole network experiences a significant challenge with a security breach that results in a $325 million theft. However, the incident is later addressed and refunded by Jump Crypto, showcasing the project’s commitment to security and transparency. 2023: USD Coin (Wormhole) integrates with Circle’s Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol (CCTP), enhancing its capabilities for cross-chain transfers and further solidifying its place within the DeFi ecosystem. 2024: Ongoing development and expansion of the Wormhole network continue, aimed at increasing the utility and reach of USD Coin (Wormhole) as well as enhancing its operational framework. Key Features The success of USD Coin (Wormhole) can be attributed to several key features that differentiate it from other cryptocurrency offerings: Cross-Chain Interoperability At the core of USD Coin (Wormhole) is its ability to facilitate seamless transfers across multiple blockchain networks. This interoperability serves as a cornerstone for decentralized finance, allowing various platforms to interact with each other, thereby accelerating the evolution of financial services. Security Wormhole employs a well-designed Guardian Network comprised of node validators that ensure secure cross-chain transactions. This collective oversight minimizes the risk of fraud and provides users with confidence that their assets are protected during cross-chain transfers. Liquidity Enhancement By enabling USDC to circulate freely across different blockchains, USD Coin (Wormhole) enhances liquidity in the DeFi ecosystem. This increased liquidity can foster more efficient trading, contribute to better pricing strategies, and improve the overall market dynamics encompassing various digital assets. Conclusion USD Coin (Wormhole) is a pivotal innovation in the blockchain space, reinforcing the capabilities of decentralized finance (DeFi) and establishing a more connected financial ecosystem. With its robust framework for cross-chain transactions, security features, and strong backing from reputable investors, USD Coin (Wormhole) is positioned to play a key role in the future of cryptocurrency. As the digital finance landscape continues to evolve, USD Coin (Wormhole) not only embraces the future of interconnectivity among blockchain networks but also reaffirms the power of tokenization and blockchain technology in transforming how we perceive and utilize value in a digital world. By navigating the complexities of cross-chain functionality, it demonstrates a sophisticated approach to enabling financial inclusivity and innovation in the world of cryptocurrencies.

1.7k Total ViewsPublished 2024.04.01Updated 2024.12.03

What is USDC(WORMHOLE)

What is $USDC

Classic USDC: A Comprehensive Overview Introduction to Classic USDC In the rapidly evolving landscape of the cryptocurrency market, stablecoins have emerged as critical components, particularly in providing stability amid the volatility that characterizes digital assets. One such project is Classic USDC, a digital currency initiative that aims to deliver a stable and reliable medium of exchange. By maintaining a 1:1 peg with the US dollar, Classic USDC strives to offer users a dependable digital asset, equipped for various applications within the web3 and cryptocurrency ecosystems. What is Classic USDC? Classic USDC is fundamentally a stablecoin, which is a type of cryptocurrency designed to minimize the price volatility typically seen in the digital asset market. Specifically, Classic USDC aspires to represent the value of the US dollar closely, ensuring that users can leverage this digital currency for transactions, savings, and other financial activities without the fear of sudden price fluctuations that can otherwise plague many cryptocurrencies. The primary aim of Classic USDC is to provide a reliable and trustworthy digital equivalent of the US dollar, designed for seamless integration into a wide range of web3 applications, decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, and other crypto-related financial systems. By delivering a stable digital currency, Classic USDC seeks to facilitate everyday commerce, make blockchain technology more user-friendly, and encourage the adoption of cryptocurrencies for mainstream usage. Creator of Classic USDC The identity of the creator or the development team behind Classic USDC remains largely unknown, and the lack of transparency has led to a degree of uncertainty regarding the project’s origins. While many cryptocurrency initiatives prominently showcase their founders and development teams, Classic USDC does not provide clear information about its creators, which poses challenges for potential users or investors weighing the project's credibility and reliability. Investors of Classic USDC Alongside the ambiguity surrounding its creators, Classic USDC also lacks specificity with regards to its investors. The financial backing of a project can often lend it credibility and stabilize its operations; however, the absence of documented investment foundations or organizations supporting Classic USDC raises questions about its funding structure. This lack of clarity could potentially hinder stakeholder confidence in the project. How Does Classic USDC Work? The operational mechanics of Classic USDC rely heavily on its reserve system, which is fundamental to the underpinnings of any stablecoin. Classic USDC undertakes to maintain a reserve of assets that directly correspond to the value of the digital currency in circulation. Specifically, for every Classic USDC token issued, an equivalent amount of backing assets is retained in reserve, whether in cash or near-cash equivalents. This strategy is designed to uphold the value of Classic USDC, offering reassurance to users that redeeming their tokens for US dollars is feasible at any time. This reserve structure aims to enhance the stability and reliability of Classic USDC, positioning it as a secure alternative in the cryptocurrency market. By ensuring that the value of Classic USDC is consistently correlated with the US dollar, the project aspires to engender trust among users who may be wary of the broader market dynamics. Timeline of Classic USDC The history of Classic USDC is marked by several key milestones that reflect its journey and evolution within the cryptocurrency ecosystem: 2021: The inception of Classic USDC is noted, introducing a new digital currency option designed for stability. During this year, the first records of the token’s activity surfaced and its initial price levels were established. 2024: Classic USDC begins to experience notable price fluctuations, as the crypto market overall grapples with various trends and user sentiment. Predictions regarding its future potential emerge, indicating a strong interest from market observers and analysts who foresee growth opportunities. Future Projections Experts speculate that Classic USDC may reach higher levels of adoption and stability in the years to come, with potential further developments anticipated around 2025 and 2026. However, these projections should be approached with cautious optimism, as the cryptocurrency market is inherently unpredictable, and various external factors may influence the trajectory of Classic USDC. Key Points About Classic USDC Stability: Classic USDC’s core proposition revolves around providing a digital currency that parallels the value of the US dollar, thereby ensuring stability in an often volatile marketplace. Reserve System: The project’s commitment to maintaining a reserve of assets to back its value underscores its reliability and operational soundness. Web3 and Crypto Integration: Classic USDC is engineered to facilitate easy integration within various applications, aiming to enhance the user experience and broaden the acceptance of cryptocurrency in everyday transactions. Future Growth Potential: While still emerging, Classic USDC holds prospective avenues for growth as awareness and utilization of stablecoins increases in the web3 and crypto contexts. Conclusion Classic USDC presents itself as a notable stablecoin initiative within the cryptocurrency sphere, striving to provide users with a reliable digital currency that embodies the stability of the US dollar. Despite uncertainties regarding its creators and financial backing, the underpinning principles of Classic USDC—centered on reserve-backed assurances—endeavour to position it as a trustworthy option for individuals and businesses navigating the digital economy. With an eye towards the future, market analysts are keen to observe how Classic USDC evolves in response to the shifting dynamics of the cryptocurrency landscape, potentially establishing itself as a significant player in the realm of stablecoins.

855 Total ViewsPublished 2024.05.01Updated 2024.12.03

What is $USDC

Discussions

Welcome to the HTX Community. Here, you can stay informed about the latest platform developments and gain access to professional market insights. Users' opinions on the price of USDC (USDC) are presented below.

活动图片