$USDC
USD Coin (USDC) is a regulated stablecoin issued by Circle Internet Financial that functions as a digital dollar, maintaining a strictly audited 1:1 peg to the U.S. dollar. As of February 2026, it holds a market capitalization of approximately $70.6 billion, positioning it as the second-largest stablecoin globally and a top-ten cryptocurrency by overall value. Unlike some of its peers, USDC is distinguished by its high transparency, with reserves held in segregated accounts of cash and short-term U.S. Treasuries that are verified by monthly third-party attestations. In early 2026, its utility has expanded significantly beyond crypto trading into mainstream finance, highlighted by a major partnership between Visa and NymCard for 24/7 stablecoin settlement in the Gulf region. While the broader crypto market has seen some capital outflows recently—with USDC's market cap dipping slightly from December peaks—it remains the preferred asset for institutional users and DeFi protocols seeking a compliant, "flight-to-safety" digital reserve.