$USDC USD Coin (USDC) is a widely used stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar. Issued by Circle and governed by the Centre Consortium (originally a joint venture with Coinbase), USDC aims to provide a stable digital asset for the crypto economy. Its stability is maintained by being fully backed by reserves consisting of U.S. dollars and short-dated U.S. Treasury securities, held in segregated accounts with regulated U.S. financial institutions.

USDC is known for its transparency, with regular attestations by independent accounting firms verifying its reserves. This commitment to audits helps build trust and differentiates it from some other stablecoins. It's widely used for trading, remittances, and as a safe haven during crypto market volatility, making it a cornerstone of decentralized finance (DeFi).