USDC/AUD: Convert USDC (USDC) to Australian Dollar (AUD)

USDC, or USD Coin, is a stablecoin that is pegged to the U.S. dollar on a 1:1 basis. This means that for every unit of USDC in circulation, there is $1 held in reserve, in a mix of cash and short-term U.S. Treasury bonds. The Centre consortium, the organization behind USDC, ensures that this cryptocurrency is issued by regulated financial institutions. USDC was launched in September 2018 with the aim of providing a digital currency for the digital age. It is designed for a world where cashless transactions are becoming increasingly common.

USDC operates as an ERC-20 token on the Ethereum blockchain. This means that it can be integrated with Ethereum-based applications, providing security and confidence in the stablecoin. The assurance that users can withdraw 1 USDC and receive $1 in return without any issues is a key aspect of how USDC works. To ensure this, a major accounting firm is tasked with verifying the levels of cash held in reserve and ensuring this matches up with the number of tokens in circulation. The number of USDC that can exist is limitless, with new coins created in line with demand, whenever someone wants to purchase one with their dollar.

USDC has several potential use cases. It can provide a safe haven for crypto traders in times of volatility, allowing them to hold their value in a stable asset. Businesses can also use USDC to accept payments in digital assets, potentially shaking up sectors such as decentralized finance and gaming. The goal is to create an ecosystem where USDC is accepted by as many wallets, exchanges, service providers, and decentralized applications (dApps) as possible. This aims to enhance the cryptocurrency space by providing a stable and reliable digital currency.

USDC was launched in September 2018 by the Centre Consortium, which has two founding members: the peer-to-peer payment services company Circle and the cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase. In 2020, Circle and Coinbase announced a major upgrade to USDC’s protocol and smart contract, with the goal of making it easier for USDC to be used for everyday payments, commerce, and peer-to-peer transactions. Unlike some crypto ventures, Circle and Coinbase have achieved regulatory compliance, which has helped pave the way for international expansion. Both projects are also well-funded, giving the stablecoin certainty. The transparency over the provenance of its funds has been a big reason for USDC's success.