USDC, which stands for US dollar coin, is designed to always maintain a 1:1 value with the US dollar, meaning it doesn’t experience the same instability or volatility as cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or DOGE.
It was launched in 2018 by Circle (company offering financial services within blockchain) in collaboration with Coinbase (a crypto exchange), and is fully backed by cash and short-term US Treasury bonds, ensuring that each token is redeemable for one dollar. (Currently at 0.9240)
It is widely used for trading, payments, and decentralised finance (DeFi) because of its fast transactions and low fees on multiple blockchains, including Ethereum and Solana (#6). It also enables cross border transactions.
USDC is considered one of the most trusted and transparent stablecoins, with regular audits confirming its reserves. However, it is still subject to regulatory scrutiny and centralisation risks, as it is controlled by a private company.
While it generally maintains its dollar value, extreme financial events—such as the temporary “depeg in March 2023”—highlight the importance of trust in its reserves. (https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/mar/11/usd-coin-depeg-silicon-valley-bank-collapse)
It is different to the USDT as it is considered to be more transparent… USDT is backed by a mix of cash, loans, receivables, and other assets, but Tether has historically been less open about the exact makeup of this.
In conclusion, it is considered that USDC plays a crucial role in crypto by offering stability. Essentially, USDC combines the reliability of fiat currency with the efficiency and accessibility of blockchain.