How the USD Coin aims to bring stability to the crypto market

Cryptocurrency valuations have been hit this year amid regulatory crackdowns and collapses of high-profile exchanges.

That may make people nervous about getting involved in this area, but there is a less volatile way to use crypto-related assets: a type of financial product known as stablecoins.

Crypto exchange Coinbase co-founded the Centre Consortium in 2018 to develop a stablecoin called the USD Coin or USDC, with the aim of boosting “economic freedom in the world” by developing a form of digital dollar that can be used by anyone.

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What is a stablecoin?

Cryptocurrencies have emerged over the past decade with the aim of decentralising money supply, supporting people without bank accounts and providing a faster and cheaper form of payments.

Most people have heard of cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin and ethereum. They are the oldest and largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalisation and their value depends on a range of factors such as investor sentiment and levels of supply and demand.

Stablecoins fall into various categories of crypto-asset but can work differently. USDC is a fiat-backed stablecoin whose value is pegged to the US dollar, so it is always clear what one USDC will be worth.

For example, a user would always be able to redeem one stablecoin for one dollar, making it easier to monitor than the value of bitcoin, for example, which can change significantly on a daily basis.

Stablecoin purchases and valuations are managed using blockchain technology, which promises to make transactions more quickly and more securely than traditional banking software is able. The idea is that the stablecoin can therefore be used around the world as a convertible form of digital money for lending, payments or just for those who may not have access to a bank account.

How does USDC work?

Unlike most cryptocurrencies, the USDC is issued by regulated and licensed financial institutions, Coinbase and Circle, both of which are established crypto exchanges.

Transfers made using USDC can be completed in under an hour using blockchain technology. By contrast, international bank transfers often take several business days. There are also no added intermediary costs as you don’t have to pay a banker or broker for arranging the transfer – a typical saving of up to 7% of the sum transferred. Eligible Coinbase customers can earn rewards for every USD Coin they hold, worth up to 1% annual yield. They can also enjoy no commission fees upon purchase of USDC.*

USDC aims to be a transparent stablecoin and maintains full reserves of the equivalent fiat currency, which is reported and verified by the accountancy firm Grant Thornton each month.

What else is USDC used for?

While many cryptoassets have become speculative investments or hedges against inflation, stablecoins are intended to be used as currency.

According to Coinbase, that means USDC will have several applications. As well as international transfers, it can be used as a secure store of wealth for those living in parts of the world with limited access to banking or other financial services.

It could also generate opportunities in the new “web3” world. This is seen as the next stage of the internet, in which online tools are decentralised and run in a collection of virtual worlds known as the metaverse. Many of these applications rely on a blockchain-based currency such as USDC.

They are already used in areas such as gaming, insurance, saving, lending and borrowing – and even on job platforms that let freelancers get paid from anywhere in the world in ethereum or stablecoins.

While recent setbacks have dented the reputation of some digital currencies, USDC may signal a more stable, practical future for crypto assets.

* No commission fees attributed to Coinbase will be charged until further notice. However, spread, and processing fees charged by third party processors, will continue to apply. This feature may not be available to all regions. See terms for USDC APY

For more information on the USD Coin, visit the Coinbase website

Upon purchase of USDC, you will be automatically opted into rewards. If you’d like to opt out or learn more about rewards, click here. The rewards rate is subject to change and can vary by region. Customers will be able to see the latest applicable rates directly within their accounts.

Cryptocurrency is unregulated in the UK. The value of investments can go down as well as up. Profits may be subject to Capital Gains Tax.'