$USDC USDC (USD Coin) is a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar at a 1:1 ratio, meaning one USDC is always intended to be worth one U.S. dollar. Co-founded by Circle and Coinbase, it's designed for stability, contrasting with the volatility of other cryptocurrencies.
USDC is 100% backed by highly liquid cash and cash-equivalent assets held in segregated accounts with regulated U.S. financial institutions. Its reserves are regularly attested to by independent accounting firms, enhancing transparency and trust.
Key use cases include fast international remittances, peer-to-peer payments, and as a stable asset within decentralized finance (DeFi) for trading, lending, and borrowing. Recent developments include increased integration into regulated financial markets, such as Coinbase's efforts to use USDC as collateral for futures trading. USDC's market cap currently stands at over $61 billion, making it a leading stablecoin.