$USDC USDC (USD Coin) and USDT (Tether) are leading stablecoins, each pegged to the U.S. dollar to maintain a stable 1:1 value. USDC, issued by Circle, emphasizes transparency with regular audits and full reserve backing, appealing to institutions for DeFi and cross-border payments. USDT, issued by Tether Limited, dominates trading volume but faces scrutiny over reserve transparency and past regulatory fines. Both enable fast, low-cost transactions on blockchains like Ethereum, competing with traditional finance systems. While USDC is favored for compliance, USDT’s liquidity drives its popularity. Their rivalry fuels innovation but raises concerns about regulatory oversight and financial stability.