$USDC #hashtags O $USDC (USD Coin) is a dollar-backed stablecoin, issued by Circle in partnership with Coinbase, and designed to maintain a 1:1 parity with the US dollar. This means that for every USDC in circulation, there is one dollar (or an equivalent asset in cash and US Treasury securities) held in reserve by regulated institutions. Its main goal is to provide a digital alternative to traditional dollars, combining the stability of fiat currencies with the speed and transparency of blockchain technology.

Launched in 2018, USDC is widely used on decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, international payments, Web3 gaming, and as a means of protection against the volatility of more unstable cryptocurrencies. Unlike other less transparent stablecoins, USDC publishes regular audit reports to ensure user trust in its reserves.

It is available on various blockchains, including Ethereum, Solana, Avalanche, Base, Polygon, and Arbitrum, making it highly accessible and compatible with multiple ecosystems. USDC is especially valued in emerging markets, where it can serve as a digital substitute for the dollar in situations of inflation or currency control.