$USDC (USD Coin) is a fully backed, regulated stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar. Launched by Circle in partnership with Coinbase, it operates on multiple blockchains like Ethereum, Solana, and Avalanche. Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies, USDC is designed for price stability, making it ideal for trading, remittances, and DeFi applications. Each USDC token is backed by cash and short-term U.S. Treasuries, with reserves audited monthly by third parties. It offers fast, borderless transactions with low fees compared to traditional banking. As a regulated stablecoin, USDC aims to bridge traditional finance and crypto, enabling secure digital payments globally while maintaining transparency and trust. It’s widely used across exchanges, wallets, and Web3 platforms.