Cross-border payments have long been a cumbersome process for businesses, plagued by complexity, exorbitant fees, and frustratingly slow transactions. The advent of cryptocurrencies, however, has ushered in a new era of financial innovation, and stablecoins, in particular, have emerged as a transformative force.
Stablecoins, as a category of cryptocurrencies designed to maintain a stable value, effectively address the inherent volatility that has hindered the widespread adoption of digital assets. Unlike their more volatile counterparts, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, stablecoins provide a low rate of day-to-day volatility, making them a viable option for everyday transactions. The unique advantage of stablecoins lies in their ability to combine the stability of traditional fiat currencies with the unparalleled benefits of blockchain technology, including fast, low-cost, and inherently secure transactions.
USDC: A Trusted Stablecoin
Among the standout stablecoins in the market, USDC, developed by Circle – a globally recognized financial technology company headquartered in the United States (US) – has garnered significant attention. USDC is pegged to the US dollar, ensuring a consistent exchange rate where 1 USDC is perpetually equivalent to 1 USD. Circle, operating as a regulated money transmitter under US law, has positioned USDC as a digital dollar, providing users with the capability for near-instant, low-cost transactions on a global scale. The stable value of USDC is maintained through reserves held in the custody of leading financial institutions, instilling a high level of trust among users.
USDC is one of the oldest stablecoins in circulation and has been around since September 2018 and is currently the second largest stablecoin by market capitalization. ~72% of all USDC is on the Ethereum network and it is widely considered one of, if not the, safest stablecoins on the market.
Utilizing USDC in Payments Infrastructure
Circle has orchestrated a paradigm shift in commerce and financial services by making the US dollar accessible worldwide without the need for traditional bank accounts. USDC, built on the foundations of public blockchain networks, inherits the speed, efficiency, and security of these networks, enabling open, programmable, and globally accessible transactions. Qualified businesses can seamlessly integrate USDC into their operations through Circle Mint accounts, allowing for frictionless conversion between USD and USDC at no additional cost. Developers, both crypto-native and newcomers to the blockchain industry, can leverage various tools, such as the USDC smart contract and Circle‘s Web3 Services, to craft innovative applications on the USDC platform.
Diverse Use Cases
Stablecoins, epitomized by USDC, showcase their versatility across a myriad of sectors. Acting as a safe haven asset, stablecoins become an ideal choice for individuals seeking stability and self-custody of their assets, as exemplified during the politico-economic crisis in Venezuela. Furthermore, stablecoins facilitate trading, payments, remittances, payroll, settlement, escrow, lending, alternative banking, and the empowerment of decentralized applications, underscoring their broad-reaching impact on various industries. USCD exists in over 190 countries as an always-on “digital dollar.”
How is USDC made up? The Circle Reserve Fund (CRF)
The Circle Reserve Fund (CRF), held at Blackrock, ia a secure reserve mechanism for USDC. At September 2023 the CRF consists of:
- 56% Repurchase Agreements
- 36% Treasuries
- 9% Cash
Circle’s cash is held at BNY Mellon and is managed by Blackrock. The USDC reserve is kept entirely separate from other Circle assets. In the September 2023 attestation Circle reported that the USDC reserve held $25B in assets backing $24.9B in circulating USDC.

How does Circle issue/redeem USDC?
USDC Issuance process:

USDC Redemption process:
