Stellar-Based USDC Sees Coinbase Investment: Alters Tether-Dominated Stablecoin Landscape

• Coinbase has bought a stake in USDC issuer Circle, leading to the dissolution of the Centre Consortium.
• Circle’s integration aims for improved efficiency in USDC operations and governance amidst regulatory pressures.

Coinbase and Circle: A Strategic Alliance for USDC’s Future

Amid the rapidly evolving regulatory terrain in the global cryptocurrency landscape, Coinbase, the largest U.S. crypto exchange, has made a decisive move by purchasing a stake in Circle, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin. This partnership not only cements the future of the USDC but also brings forth significant implications for the governance and operations of this stablecoin.

USDC Evolution: Dissolution and Integration

USDC, since its inception, was governed by the Centre Consortium, a joint initiative co-founded by both Coinbase and Circle. However, in light of recent developments and to streamline its governance, the consortium will be dissolved. According to the official announcement, Coinbase emphasized the transition to Circle as the primary entity responsible for USDC issuance. In layman’s terms, the governance and operational tasks previously overseen by the Centre will now be absorbed and managed by Circle.

Such a pivotal shift in governance is not merely a structural change but seeks to enhance operational efficiency. With Circle at the helm, USDC’s management will span across multiple facets — from managing the keys to the smart contract to ensuring the stablecoin’s compliance with regulations and expanding its utility across various blockchain platforms.

Circle’s Journey Amid Regulatory and Market Turbulence

Circle’s recent journey in the crypto ecosystem has been tumultuous, to say the least. Confronting challenges ranging from fluctuating market dynamics to strict regulatory frameworks, Circle also grappled with banking controversies earlier in the year. A notable instance was the USDC issuer’s $3.3 billion exposure to the Silicon Valley Bank, which momentarily disrupted the pegging mechanism of the USD Coin.

However, the alliance with Coinbase could provide a stable footing for Circle. Coinbase has been a beneficiary of the revenue generated from USDC, given that the stablecoin is bolstered by a reserve comprising liquid assets like cash and government bonds. As interest rates have surged to their highest in over a decade, the financial yield from USDC’s interest has burgeoned, becoming a significant revenue source. In the last quarter alone, USDC contributed a substantial $151 million to Coinbase’s revenue. Amid these financial shifts, Coinbase remains steadfast, with spokespersons confirming that there won’t be alterations to the company’s previously stated financial projections.

Best Crypto Exchange for Everyone:

• Invest in Stellar and 70+ cryptocurrencies and 3,000 other assets.
• 0% commission on stocks – buy in bulk or just a fraction from as little as $10.
• Copy top-performing traders in real time, automatically.
• Regulated by financial authorities including FAC and FINRA.

2.8 Million Users

Get Started