$USDC

USDC stands as a prominent dollar-backed stablecoin developed through collaboration between financial technology firm Circle and cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase. Launched on Ethereum in 2018, USDC has since expanded across multiple blockchains including Solana, Algorand, and Tron to reduce transaction costs and increase speed. Its distinguishing feature is regulatory compliance, with reserves held in segregated accounts at US-regulated financial institutions and subject to regular attestations. USDC plays a critical role in cryptocurrency markets by facilitating trading pairs, providing DeFi liquidity, and enabling borderless dollar transactions. Following the collapse of competitor stablecoins like UST, USDC has strengthened its position through enhanced transparency measures. The stablecoin's growing adoption by institutional players and integration into traditional payment rails highlights its evolving role beyond purely crypto applications.