$USDC advances towards its consolidation as a "cash equivalent" in the crypto world

In recent days, USDC has been at the center of important developments that strengthen its role in the financial ecosystem. First, Coinbase Derivatives and Nodal Clear announced a partnership to use USDC as collateral in regulated futures in the U.S., subject to CFTC approval, with a launch expected in 2026 . This step marks the first regulated use of a stablecoin in futures contracts, consolidating USDC as a "true cash equivalent" .

Additionally, the U.S. Senate approved the GENIUS Act by a wide margin, which establishes regulatory standards for stablecoins—total reserve, monthly audits, and AML controls—boosting institutional confidence . This benefited both Circle, with strong stock growth, and Coinbase, which simultaneously expanded the use of USDC in electronic payments and trading platforms like Shopify .

Finally, Circle issued $250 million new on the Solana blockchain, reflecting the growing demand for the stablecoin .