Crypto Expansion: USDC's Multi-Chain Move

Cryptocurrency
Martin Walker
Aug 26, 2023 at 03:11 pm

This declaration forms a crucial segment of an extensive strategy aimed at amplifying the global grasp and usefulness of the cryptocurrency.

In a momentous maneuver in the domain of crypto, Circle, the enterprise steering USD Coin (USDC), has unveiled its intention to broaden backing for its stablecoin to an additional half-dozen blockchains within the subsequent sixty days.

As stated in a collaborative press release by Coinbase and Circle, USDC, presently accessible on nine blockchain platforms including Ethereum, Arbitrum, Avalanche, Stellar, Tron, Flow, Algorand, Hedera, and Solana, will be progressively launched on fresh blockchain networks.

Despite the non-disclosure of specific names in the announcement, prior disclosures from Circle hint that Base, NEAR, Optimism, Polkadot, Polygon PoS, and Cosmos are poised to be integrated during the period spanning September and October. This collective effort will subsequently foster USDC's compatibility with no fewer than fifteen diverse blockchains.

USDC was formulated to preserve a steadfast 1-to-1 link with the US Dollar. Despite being the second-largest stablecoin, it has encountered a contraction in its market share vis-à-vis Tether. This transformation stemmed from concerns linked to USD holdings within the defunct Silicon Valley Bank.

The assimilation of six fresh blockchains stands as a monumental stride in the progression of USDC, conceivably acting as a catalyst for greater acceptance of stablecoins.

Coinbase and Circle: A Paradigm-Shifting Partnership

The recent evolutions spring forth from the cooperative venture of Coinbase and Circle, with the former acquiring an undisclosed minority stake in the latter. This alliance effectively dissolved the Center Consortium, the entity originally tasked with the issuance of USDC. Consequently, Circle will internalize the complete administration and issuance of USDC.

The two entities uphold that the primary aim of stablecoins is to offer extensive accessibility, consistency, and perpetual usability. In alignment with this, the statement underscores,

"The expansion to encompass new blockchain networks empowers USDC to more effectively cater to a burgeoning array of enterprises, applications, and developer communities who are selecting USDC as their on-chain dollar."

Presently, Tether (USDT) functions across fourteen blockchain networks. In contrast, Paxos, another prominent stablecoin, is exclusively tethered to the Ethereum network. Hence, within the forthcoming sixty days, USDC could conceivably evolve into the most extensively reachable stablecoin.

The Resonance of Stablecoins

The stablecoin market has been resonating with considerable fervor in the recent weeks. Earlier in this month, a notable payment services provider, PayPal, in collaboration with Paxos, introduced their innovative stablecoin, PYUSD. Despite initial mixed reactions, PYUSD has found its equilibrium within the markets and has even garnered an endorsement from a US legislator.

The fresh maneuver orchestrated by Coinbase and Circle underscores the flourishing state of the stablecoin market, where its utilities extend beyond crypto trading, spanning foreign exchange, global settlements, and financial inclusivity.

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