Circle will acquire the Interop Labs team and intellectual property; Axelar will remain an independent entity.

Stablecoin issuer Circle has signed an agreement to acquire the Interop Labs team and its proprietary technology, bringing core contributors to the Axelar network into its infrastructure business. The deal, expected to close in early 2026, covers Interop Labs' personnel and proprietary intellectual property, while the Axelar network, its foundation, and the AXL token will remain independent and community-governed.