$USDC (SEI) is a Layer-1 blockchain specifically designed for trading, aiming to be the fastest blockchain for decentralized exchanges (DEXs). Unlike general-purpose blockchains, Sei optimizes every layer of its stack for high-frequency trading applications. It boasts features like "Twin-Turbo Consensus" for sub-second transaction finality (around 400ms) and parallel execution, enabling thousands of transactions per second.
The SEI token is the native utility token of the network. It's used to pay for transaction fees, participate in network governance (voting on protocol upgrades), and for staking to secure the network and earn rewards. Sei also incorporates a built-in order matching engine and mechanisms to mitigate frontrunning, creating a fairer and more efficient trading environment. Its focus on speed, low costs, and a specialized trading infrastructure makes it appealing for DeFi, NFT marketplaces, and Web3 gaming.