$USDC (USD Coin) is a fully-backed, regulated stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the US Dollar, issued by Circle in partnership with Coinbase under the Centre Consortium. Launched in 2018, it’s widely used for trading, payments, and DeFi across major blockchains like Ethereum, Solana, and Polygon. USDC is backed by cash and short-term U.S. Treasury assets, with monthly attestations provided by top accounting firms for transparency. Known for its regulatory compliance and institutional adoption, USDC offers faster, cheaper alternatives to traditional finance while maintaining dollar stability. It plays a crucial role in bridging fiat and crypto economies in a secure, transparent manner.