The PENGU Spot ETF is the first NFT-based crypto ETF application, as Canary Capital aims to merge NFTs and DeFi—will the SEC approve this groundbreaking move

January 2024 marked a pivotal point in the crypto industry: the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved a bunch of 

 (ETFs) after a decade of resisting it. Later that year, several Ethereum (ETH) Spot ETFs were also approved. These early successes encouraged investment funds focused on digital assets to seek approvals for other 

 (AVAX) and other high-cap cryptos have ended up on the SEC's desk in recent months.

Until Mar 20, 2025, one thing had never occurred: an 

-based crypto ETF application. Such a move was thought to border on impossibility, given how stringently and at length the SEC evaluated ETF applications even for established fungible cryptos. And yet, the Canary Capital investment manager submitted an application to the SEC for approval of the first NFT-focused crypto ETF product, the PENGU Spot ETF, triggering a mini-revolution in the emerging space at the junction of crypto and traditional finance.

If approved, this ETF will be the first of its kind in the industry, based on a mix of 

. Many observers expect Canary Capital to struggle mightily for SEC endorsement of its revolutionary product. Nevertheless, the SEC now has a track record of approving crypto ETFs — which raises hopes for both the altcoin ETFs mentioned above and the PENGU Spot ETF application.

The PENGU Spot ETF is a proposed exchange-traded fund (ETF) product introduced by the Canary Capital investment management firm, and is currently awaiting approval by the SEC. 

 on Mar 20, 2025, making this the first crypto ETF product with an NFT component that’s vying for the approval of America's primary financial regulator. The ETF has been registered in the US state of Delaware.

The Pengu Spot ETF's portfolio is envisioned as consisting primarily of PENGU tokens that will make up anywhere between 80% and 95% of total assets held, with the rest allocated to Pudgy Penguins NFTs. Small portions of Solana's SOL coins and Ethereum's ETH tokens will also be included in order to facilitate transactions and liquidity support, as PENGU tokens are mainly issued on the Solana blockchain, and Pudgy Penguins NFTs are an Ethereum-based collection. 

Since Canary Capital will hold these assets and periodically rebalance the portfolio, gas fee payments on Solana and Ethereum will apply, with fees paid in SOL and ETH, respectively.

Launched in 2021 on Solana, the Pudgy Penguins NFT collection consists of 8,888 items, each depicting a cute penguin with a distinct combination of five different traits. In December 2024, the project introduced a related fungible cryptocurrency, the Ethereum-based PENGU token. As of Apr 2, 2025, PENGU is a smaller-cap asset, ranked 191st in the crypto market, with a total 

 of $319 million. In contrast, Pudgy Penguins are among the leading projects in the NFT space, ranked second among all NFT collections, with a market cap of $155 million.

Canary Capital's application to the SEC is unique in two ways: it’s the first ETF with an NFT component, and it marks the first time ETF approval has been sought for a relatively smaller-cap cryptocurrency, PENGU, which isn’t even among the top 100 crypto assets by market cap. All of the other crypto ETF applications approved by the SEC (or currently vying for approval) are based on high-cap, leading assets that are typically ranked within the top 30.

As of Apr 2, 2025, the SEC has had the application for the PENGU Spot ETF application for just two weeks. The regulator has up to 240 days to review such applications, although historically, the SEC has pondered over crypto ETF applications for years. Now, however, the string of Bitcoin and Ethereum Spot ETF approvals in 2024 raises hopes that newer submissions may be subject to an already established evaluation framework — and thus greenlighted much faster.

At the moment, the SEC is also considering spot ETF applications for several high-cap cryptocurrencies, including Dogecoin, Solana, Polkadot, 

 (XRP). If the regulator decides to approve the applications in batch mode — all or several at once — Canary Capital will have reason to hope that its ETF is included.

However, there's been skepticism regarding the PENGU Spot ETF application, with some analysts believing that its chances might differ from those of the larger, more established altcoin ETFs. This isn't surprising, as a PENGU Spot ETF would be a distinct product, being the first NFT-focused ETF. In addition, NFTs have more limited liquidity than fungible cryptocurrencies. 

NFTs may also be harder to valuate objectively. The prices of fungible cryptos are easily sourced from the crypto market, where supply and demand establish their value. In contrast, the limited liquidity and uniqueness of NFTs makes it much harder to price them efficiently.

Moreover, the PENGU token — which will make up most of the proposed ETF — isn't among the most traded assets in the crypto market. Because PENGU has a modest position in the crypto space (along with its origins as a 

), the SEC could view it with more skepticism than it does the leading altcoins.

Naturally, all these factors are just speculation at this point, and we’ll need to wait on the SEC’s initial comments regarding the first NFT-based ETF under their consideration in order to form a more defined view of the product's prospects for approval.

Current impact of the PENGU Spot ETF application on the crypto market

The news of the PENGU Spot ETF application has so far had no appreciable impact on the price of the PENGU token itself. On the day of the application (Mar 20, 2025), the token was trading at around $0.007. Two weeks later, it's still hovering around the same price. 

On the other hand, there's been a modest increase in the average price of Pudgy Penguins NFTs traded on the market: between March 20 and 28, the average price rose by 16% from around $16,450 to $19,120, though it has since retraced slightly to $17,490 as of Apr 2.

Given the modest price effect, investors are likely still cautious about the chances for the PENGU Spot ETF's approval.

However, if it is approved, the broader impact on the crypto market could be far-reaching, as such a step would signify the SEC's openness to both NFT-based ETFs, and ETFs made up of smaller-cap cryptocurrencies, including meme coins. The number of tokenized asset funds that offer NFT-based products would then be likely to increase significantly, facilitating mainstream NFT adoption within traditional financial markets.

An SEC approval of the PENGU Spot ETF may lead to a flurry of further ETF applications based on NFTs in some form. This could even include the first ETFs composed entirely of NFTs. Other crypto asset types — e.g., 

 (RWAs) — may also become candidates for the SEC’s consideration. Furthermore, in the unlikely event that Canary Capital’s PENGU Spot ETF were to be approved ahead of the altcoin spot ETFs currently in the SEC’s pipeline, it would send a very strong signal that those ETF applications are also a sure bet.

The current PENGU Spot ETF application is a pioneering event that may open up opportunities for NFT ETFs and other crypto ETFs based on partial NFT holdings. Although the SEC approved multiple Bitcoin Spot ETFs in early 2024, few people expected an NFT-based ETF to emerge so soon afterward. Probably even fewer expected a meme coin–based ETF to be taken seriously by the SEC. Unique in so many ways, the PENGU ETF flips the entire concept of traditional ETFs on its head.

Canary Capital's attempt to get approval for an NFT-backed ETF is truly a bold undertaking, though observers said the same thing about 

 just a few years ago. Someone needed to become a trailblazer in this area — and Canary Capital has taken up the noble role without hesitation. Now, all eyes are on the SEC as it prepares to weigh in on a product it has never before encountered.

Intermediate

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PENGU Spot ETF: A bold move for NFT investing — or just hype?

In this article, we break down what to expect from Liberation Day and how it could shape the outlook for equities, the US economy and crypto markets.

 April 2, 2025 as "Liberation Day" — a moment he claims will restore America's trade fairness through sweeping reciprocal tariffs. With few concrete details confirmed, global markets remain on edge. Investors are bracing for the economic fallout of a potential trade war, and crypto traders are watching closely to assess the impact on digital assets. In this article, we break down what to expect from “Liberation Day” and how it could shape the outlook for equities, the US economy and crypto markets.

Since returning to the White House in January 2025, President Trump has prioritized reshaping US trade policy with a renewed focus on tariffs. His administration has already announced 

 on all steel and aluminum imports. Many of these actions take effect this week, coinciding with his so-called Liberation Day.

Trump argues that tariffs are a necessary tool to reduce the US trade deficit and force foreign nations to stop what he calls "economic warfare" against the American worker. Treasury secretary Scott Bessent 

 countries with persistent trade surpluses — dubbed the 

 — as primary targets for reciprocal tariffs. These include China, the EU, Canada and Mexico.

However, critics point to the growing risk of a global trade war, with multiple partners already threatening or initiating retaliatory measures. Goldman Sachs recently 

, citing declining business confidence and mounting economic uncertainty. The tariffs, designed to protect US industries, could instead raise prices and weigh on consumer spending.

What to expect from Trump's ‘Liberation Day’ announcement

Trump is expected to reveal his tariff plans in a Rose Garden press conference on April 2. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt 

 that the president would impose tariffs on "any country that has treated the American people unfairly" — though no nation-specific exemptions have been confirmed. Trump has promised these reciprocal tariffs will be 

While final details remain under wraps, proposals have included both country-wide and sector-specific tariffs. These could range from uniform, percentage-based levies to targeted charges on industries like pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and autos. Trump's advisers, including Trump trade adviser Peter Navarro and commerce secretary Howard Lutnick, claim the new tariffs could generate over $600 billion annually — though many economists dispute this figure.

Delayed tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, 

 in early March, are also set to take effect this week. These include taxes on agricultural products, energy goods and automotive components. Trump has also 

 a 25% tariff on imports from countries that purchase oil or gas from Venezuela.

Given the administration's conflicting signals in recent weeks, there's a wide range of potential outcomes. Whether “Liberation Day” ushers in immediate enforcement, additional delays or future negotiation rounds remains to be seen. For now, uncertainty reigns.

Potential impact on the US economy and global markets

Economists warn that broad-based tariffs could lead to slower US growth, higher consumer prices and widening inequality. Goldman Sachs now 

 Trump's trade policies to reduce annual GDP growth to 1.5% from 2%, while the odds of a recession are being raised from 20% to 35%.

Global equity markets have already shown signs of stress. European and Asian indices dipped ahead of “Liberation Day,” while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 

 in March (respectively). Auto manufacturers, tech firms and retailers could be especially vulnerable if tariffs disrupt global supply chains.

There's also the question of the Federal Reserve's response. With inflation risks rising, policymakers may hold off on anticipated rate cuts, further complicating the economic outlook heading into Q2.

How will ‘Liberation Day’ affect the crypto industry?

Crypto markets have mirrored broader risk sentiment over the past quarter, with investors reducing exposure amid macroeconomic turbulence. As of April 1, the 

 is down 16.9% year-to-date. Bitcoin has fallen 10.48%, Ethereum 44.2% and Solana 33% — despite reaching new highs in January on hopes for pro-crypto policies from the Trump administration.

Investor optimism has since cooled as recession risks, inflation concerns and policy unpredictability drive a risk-off mood. Bitcoin dipped to $81,656 over the weekend, marking its weakest Q1 since 2018. Traders remain cautious ahead of “Liberation Day,” awaiting clarity before opening new positions.

“Liberation Day” could further weigh on crypto prices if market volatility increases and capital rotates out of risk assets. However, some analysts believe any resulting sell-off may offer an opportunity to 

 — especially if Trump follows through on crypto-friendly regulation later this year. For now, though, many eyes are on April 2.

With details still unknown, the crypto market remains in a "wait-and-see" phase. “Liberation Day” could mark a turning point — for better or worse — depending upon the scope and execution of Trump's tariff agenda.

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Trump's 'Liberation Day': What it means for crypto markets

Grayscale has filed to convert its private Digital Large Cap Fund, which includes Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Cardano, into a publicly available exchange-traded fund (ETF). 

Daily top performer — Compound Finance (COMP)

The S&P 500 rose 0.38% as investors awaited new tariffs amid weak factory data and declining job openings. Gold eased to $3,113 after hitting a record high, driven by profit-taking ahead of Trump's tariff announcement, but remains strong due to safe-haven demand and economic uncertainties. The Coindesk Indices, which tracks the broader crypto market, are up by 1.30%, with Bitcoin and Ether are up 3.10% and 5.19%, respectively, in the past 24 hours. Trade these markets and more with up to 500x leverage on Bybit MT5 using this 

Today's top performer is COMP, up 14.3%, following the proposal for the creation of a foundation to ensure consistent leadership and coordination by Compound.

Compound Finance (COMP), launched in September 2018, is a DeFi lending platform that allows users to earn interest on crypto assets. Built on smart contracts, it adjusts interest rates based on supply and demand, connecting lenders and borrowers without intermediaries. In June 2020, Compound decentralized with the launch of COMP and full governance transfer. However, it lacks a core operational pillar. With Compound v4 development and increased community engagement, the need for consistent leadership has grown. To address this, Compound Labs 

 creating a Compound Foundation for structure, clarity, and coordination, similar to other ecosystems like Uniswap.

Check out the latest prices, charts, and data of 

 to convert its private Digital Large Cap Fund, which includes Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Cardano, into a publicly available exchange-traded fund (ETF). The fund, which currently holds 79.4% Bitcoin and 10.69% Ethereum, has grown by 478.83% since its launch in 2018. The conversion would allow everyday investors to access the crypto market, covering about 75% of the digital asset market cap. If successful, it would eliminate the current barrier that restricts access to accredited investors. The filing is still in progress, with management fees and other details pending.

Yesterday, BTC spot ETF had a total outflow of $157.8 million, with GBTC seeing a loss of $10.1 million and non-GBTC products losing $147.7 million.

 that its airdrop might be approaching, with a claim page now live. Registration for the airdrop runs from April 2 to April 17, and claims are expected to open on April 22. However, nothing has been officially confirmed yet. Stay tuned for updates.

Beginner

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Grayscale files to convert digital large cap fund into publicly accessible crypto ETF

In this guide, we'll dive into how to trade crypto with the Bybit app, a convenient and feature-rich platform. Explore spot and derivatives trading for beginners on the Bybit app.

Welcome to our step-by-step guide on trading using the Bybit app. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from downloading the app and setting up your account to executing spot, margin and derivatives trades. Bybit is a leading cryptocurrency exchange that offers a fully localized and user-friendly mobile experience, making it easy for both beginning and seasoned traders to manage their investments seamlessly.

First, download the Bybit app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Once you’ve installed the app, open it and select your preferred language.

 and register using your email address or phone number. Complete the verification process by submitting your mainland Chinese ID or passport as required. This step is crucial to ensure your account is secure, and to unlock higher withdrawal limits.

After verifying your identity, head over to the 

 tab to fund your account. You can directly deposit cryptocurrencies like BTC or USDT. Our 

 (UTA) streamlines fund management, allowing you to trade seamlessly across different markets without the hassle of multiple wallets.

Spot trading with Bybit lets you buy or sell cryptocurrencies at current market prices with immediate settlement.

To begin, log in to the app and tap on the 

Choose your desired trading pair, such as BTC/USDC or ETH/USDT, from the list.

 lets you specify a price at which you want to buy or sell. 

Enter the amount you wish to trade, review the details and confirm your order.

Once your order is executed, monitor its status in the 

Bybit has an intuitive interface that displays real-time updates, so you can track your trades anytime with ease. 

How to execute a spot margin trade with the Bybit app

For traders looking to leverage their positions, Bybit offers a spot margin trading feature that allows you to borrow funds to increase your buying power. Start by logging into your account and tapping on 

Choose a trading pair, such as ETH/USDC, which supports margin trading with leverage options of up to 10x. 

Once your trading pair is selected, you’ll need to select the margin amount (e.g., 

 at which you want your limit order to execute.

You’ll also see several other important metrics, such as 

Enter the amount you wish to trade, and then carefully review all of the details.

After confirming your order, your margin trade will be executed. You can track your position in the 

 tab, where you can also set up stop-loss or take-profit orders to manage risk. 

How to trade derivatives with the Bybit app

Bybit also offers derivatives trading, which allows you to speculate on the price movements of cryptocurrencies without actually owning the underlying assets. Derivatives include Futures and Perpetual contracts, which can be traded with leverage, sometimes up to 100x.

To start, log in to your account and tap on 

Set your desired leverage (e.g., 50x) and choose between 

 margin modes, based on your risk preference.

 (if using limit or conditional orders) and 

Once you’re satisfied with your parameters, confirm your order and your position will appear in the 

Trading with the Bybit app offers numerous advantages that make managing digital assets both efficient and secure. The platform’s user-friendly design, high-speed execution and comprehensive risk management tools cater to traders of all levels. Our Unified Trading Account (UTA) streamlines fund management by consolidating assets for spot, margin and derivatives trading under one account, which reduces operational complexity and enhances overall efficiency. This streamlined approach lets you focus on strategy rather than logistics.

Additionally, Bybit’s state-of-the-art security measures — such as multi-factor authentication, regular independent audits and cold storage of assets — ensure that your transactions are conducted safely and transparently. With an interface designed to minimize distractions and provide real-time data, you can quickly monitor market movements and adjust positions. 

Our commitment to a secure and reliable trading experience is evident in our continuous improvements and proactive customer support. These features empower you to make informed trading decisions, fostering confidence in your ability to navigate the dynamic crypto market.

Bybit delivers a secure, robust and intuitive mobile platform that simplifies cryptocurrency trading for everyone. In this guide, we’ve explored how to set up an account, fund it and execute various types of trades — spot, margin and derivatives — using a fully localized and user-friendly interface. Our Unified Trading Account and comprehensive risk management tools ensure a smooth trading experience so you can focus on growing your investments.

Looking ahead, Bybit remains dedicated to innovation and excellence in the crypto industry. We continually refine our platform, based on user feedback and market trends, ensuring that you have access to the latest tools and features. Our commitment to transparency and security underpins everything we do as we build trust and empower traders. 

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How to trade with the Bybit app

Bybit Learn

Altcoins

Stablecoin

USD Coin is one of the most popular stablecoins, but what is it and how does it work? Bybit Learn takes a look in this beginner's guide.

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Cryptocurrencies are known for their high level of volatility, as their prices may skyrocket or dramatically drop in a matter of a few hours, let alone days and weeks. Under such circumstances, a solution is required to keep a coin’s price stable while providing users with all the other perks of decentralized payment options.

In this guide, we’re going to review such solutions with a special focus on USDC (USDC), a stablecoin issued by 

 Consortium, LLC, consisting of Circle and Coinbase.

 as “digital units of value that differ from existing forms of currencies and rely on a set of stabilization tools to minimize fluctuations in their price against a currency or basket thereof.” 

Stablecoins are a digital representation of 

 on blockchains, developed to mimic the price of fiat using a stabilization mechanism. This type of cryptocurrency has a stable price, so users can always redeem a single coin for $1 (or for any other currency to which they’re pegged). Stablecoins can also be an instrument for traders to switch to a more stable digital asset when cryptocurrency markets are volatile. 

With the maintenance of a stable rate, regardless of market fluctuations, stablecoins are a financial tool that’s useful for the protection of capital and profits during periods of intense drawdowns. Also, the capability to transfer funds across exchanges without the need to convert them to fiat helps asset holders stay within the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Thus, they’re protected from negative consequences that can arise in some jurisdictions.

Stablecoins are a good solution for unregulated exchanges that don’t provide conversion to fiat currencies. The scope of their application has also been extended to customers with restricted access to foreign currencies. They’re faster and more cost-effective than fiat money. Payments are settled within a minute, as a rule, depending upon the underlying blockchain. Most stablecoins reside on the Ethereum platform. 

The challenges for the widespread adoption of stablecoins include 

 compliance and regulatory uncertainty. The benefits include features such as reduced cost, improved interoperability and speed. 

USDC is a stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar, backed by U.S. dollars held in reserve. The white paper for the USDC stablecoin says that it was developed for beginners who want to enter the world of cryptocurrencies safely and without high costs. 

The governments of different countries often resort to a method called quantitative easing, or QE, which implies the issuance of a new supply of money by central banks globally. Acting in this way, they take politically motivated measures to reach certain goals and save certain beneficiaries from collapse, which would harm the economy. QE can, however, cause a range of undesirable consequences, such as inflation or deflation, as well as create favorable conditions for the crypto revolution that’s currently forming the global financial landscape. 

All these changes are actively supported by tech-savvy users, throughout the world, who have become active participants of the cryptocurrency ecosystem. However, there’s still much to do regarding the widespread adoption of this technology. People who are interested in cryptocurrencies may still prefer using traditional money systems, due to security concerns. Factors keeping them away from cryptocurrencies include: 

1. Sophisticated systems employed by different blockchains

The UI and functionalities offered by cryptocurrencies are usually so complicated that only technically skilled customers know how to operate with them. USDC was designed to facilitate the onboarding process.

2. Volatility of the cryptocurrency market 

Cryptocurrencies exhibit excessive volatility, and sudden changes in the price of an asset may be off-putting. Therefore, stablecoins attract beginners looking for a reliable store of value. This is a way to avoid the inherent price volatility of cryptocurrencies, as the essence of a stablecoin is to be an equivalent of fiat currency. As for USDC, its value is equivalent to one U.S. dollar, and its price is kept stable. 

The Centre Consortium introduced the USDC stablecoin as a means of trying to solve these issues and to remove obstacles on the way to widespread cryptocurrency adoption. 

In September 2018, Circle announced the release of a fiat-backed stablecoin, USDC. Previously, Gemini and 

 had already announced stablecoins developed by their platforms. Circle designed USDC in cooperation with BITMAIN, a leading Bitcoin hardware mining manufacturer. It’s worth noting that BITMAIN 

 conducted by Circle in May 2018. The company presented USDC as a more regulated alternative to other cryptocurrencies.

In October 2018, USDC became the first stablecoin that was listed on the then-biggest trading platform, Coinbase. Circle and Coinbase then formed a joint venture known as the Centre Consortium to develop the underlying technology of USDC and to govern it.

USDC was listed on Coinbase in October 2018, and in November 2018, Binance added it to its listing, helping to bootstrap the liquidity of the stablecoin quickly. The popularity of the USD crypto coin increased even more after it became available for trading in over 80 countries. 

This explosive growth followed amidst the reality of the coronavirus pandemic, when people started using USDC as a 

 against fiat currencies. In addition, the development of the decentralized finance (

) sector helped to drive a massive amount of traffic to USDC. Innovative features such as 

 contributed to its growing popularity. This stablecoin has become one of the leading digital assets, with amounts deposited on different DeFi platforms. By 2021, the 

 of USDC exceeded 9 billion after having 

 in 2020, which resulted in its becoming known as the fastest-growing stablecoin in the market. 

In August 2022, Bybit announced its partnership with Circle to promote the use and growth of USDC by providing users with a range of USDC products, such as 

. To make transactions even easier for its customers all over the world, Bybit allows instant auto-conversions between USD & USDC (as well as other Circle-issued stablecoins). 

USDC has been witnessing a notable surge in popularity, reflecting a significant shift in stablecoin market dynamics. Despite Tether's USDT holding a dominant position, with a 70% market share and a market cap of $114 billion, USDC has made impressive gains, increasing its market share by 37% since the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB).

The recovery of USDC is particularly notable, given its strong rebound post-SVB collapse as it experienced a temporary dip in market capitalization from $48 billion to $24 billion in 2023. However, in 2024, USDC's market cap has climbed to $34 billion, buoyed by a broad increase in trading volumes — from $9 billion in 2023 to $23 billion in 2024. This recovery was supported as USDC became the first stablecoin to comply with the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulations, which has significantly enhanced its appeal for institutional investors and in regulated markets.

Furthermore, compliance with MiCA has positioned USDC favorably against other stablecoins, especially in European markets, where regulatory compliance is highly valued. This alignment with regulatory standards has contributed to USDC capturing 95% of large transaction volumes, indicating a strong preference among large-scale investors and institutions for regulated stablecoins.

On Feb 25, 2025, it was announced that the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has officially recognized and regulated Circle’s stablecoins, USDC and EURC, allowing them to be integrated into financial institutions and fintech services within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). This milestone strengthens Circle’s position as a leading global stablecoin issuer, already compliant with EU MiCA regulations and Canada’s new listing rules. The approval expands access to USDC and EURC for over 6,000 companies in Dubai, enabling the use of these stablecoins in digital payments, trading and treasury management. 

Overall, the stablecoin market is continuing to grow, with a total market cap reaching 

. In fact, Circle’s USDC stablecoin reached a record market capitalization of over $56 billion in mid-February 2025, marking a strong resurgence in demand. Over the past month, USDC’s market cap grew by $10.2 billion, primarily fueled by increased Solana-based DeFi trading — outpacing the $4.6 billion growth of Tether’s USDT, which remains the world’s largest stablecoin with a $142 billion market cap. This growth signals a full recovery for USDC after its 2023 depeg crisis, linked to 

Stablecoins like USDC and USDT play a crucial role in crypto trading and liquidity, and their expansion is often seen as a positive indicator of market health. Their recent surge aligns with past periods of crypto market rallies, suggesting strengthening investor confidence despite macroeconomic uncertainties.

As of Feb 26, 2025, the circulating supply of USDC is approximately 56.2 billion tokens. Its current 24-hour trading volume is $14.3 billion, and its market cap is over $56.2 billion. 

The journey of USDC has been marked by significant technological advancements, starting with the release of USDC 2.0 in August 2020. This version was a pivotal upgrade by the Centre Consortium, introducing functionalities designed to enhance the usability of digital wallets and services supporting stablecoins. USDC 2.0 featured an innovative gasless 

 feature that allowed wallet developers to manage network fees directly in USDC instead of ETH, thus removing a significant barrier to mainstream adoption. This upgrade ensured full compatibility with existing infrastructures, facilitating seamless integration into payment systems, peer-to-peer transactions and e-commerce.

Building on this foundation, Circle introduced USDC v2.2 in November 2023, with the upgrade being rolled out across various networks into early 2024. This latest version introduces substantial improvements, such as reducing gas costs, bolstering security measures and supporting account abstraction on 

Notably, v2.2 adopts EIP-1271 to enable transactions from smart contract wallets, expanding usability within the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem. This version further optimizes blocklist checks and enhances efficiency, resulting in reduced transaction costs and an improved user experience. All changes in USDC v2.2 are fully backward-compatible, require no action from users or developers and have been rigorously audited to ensure the highest standards of security and reliability.

These upgrades reflect USDC's commitment to innovation and its desire to maintain a leading edge in the rapidly evolving digital currency space. By continuously enhancing its features, USDC is setting a standard for stablecoin functionality, paving the way for more widespread adoption and integration into global financial systems. For developers and users eager to dive deeper into the technical details or engage with the community, Circle encourages joining the discussions on their Discord channel or exploring further through their community resources.

USDC upholds its 1:1 parity with the U.S. dollar by guaranteeing that each circulating USDC token is supported by an equal amount of U.S. dollars or comparable assets. Circle achieves this equilibrium by holding both cash and cash equivalents that match the circulating supply of USDC, thus maintaining the reserve balance.

The process of creating new USDC is known as minting, whereby businesses deposit U.S. dollars into their Circle Accounts and receive an equivalent amount of USDC. Conversely, when USDC is redeemed for U.S. dollars, the process is called burning, which removes the equivalent amount of USDC from circulation.

 token on the Ethereum blockchain, but has expanded its presence to other blockchain networks as well. This broad compatibility makes USDC a versatile digital currency, suitable for a wide range of applications.

The USDC ERC-20 token creates payment, lending, investing and trading possibilities. The ecosystem grows with the addition of other tokens and tokenization of goods and services, while the smart contract facilities become the fundamental building blocks of value exchange. The open-source framework developed by the Centre Consortium team enabled the interaction of fiat money with smart contracts, thus providing the possibility of using real-world currencies in blockchain applications. 

The USDC token is used for quick remittances and payments throughout the globe. Customers only need to have wallets and internet access to take advantage of uncensorable interoperable transactions. It’s possible to send large amounts to any location at a low fee. Since it’s a matter of minutes, this type of cryptocurrency asset is irreplaceable for holders. Apart from almost instant settlement, the benefits include round-the-clock availability, irreversibility and lower counterparty risks. 

In comparison with fiat currencies, USDC offers a wide range of uses, including higher leveraged trading and low-cost and secure transactions. The asset can also be used in the DeFi sector when buying cryptocurrency products in 

With this cryptocurrency asset, banking becomes available for the unbanked. It is often regarded as an alternative to traditional finance that brings the democratization process to the international financial system via blockchain technologies. 

Transparency of USDC is guaranteed due to their regulation and full support by U.S. institutional bodies. The issuers of USDC issuers are obliged to deliver transparency to customers. 

The stablecoins developed by Centre Consortium — USDC and Euro Coin — are issued by regulated, licensed financial institutions that maintain full reserves of the equivalent fiat currency. The USDC reserves are kept in a special bank account that is monitored and regularly audited. You can find 

The combination of cryptocurrency properties and a guarantee of USDC’s value granted by leading cryptocurrency giants (Coinbase, Circle and Bybit) contributes to the adoption of USDC in the world. 

The transparency of USDC is highly assessed by experts, especially after the reputations of Tether and Bitfinex were compromised by the investigation initiated by the New York Attorney General’s office. However, it didn’t blemish the reputation of stablecoins. On the contrary, this case emphasized the need for a legitimate and regulated stablecoin. 

Sign up for a Bybit account, or log in to your existing Bybit account to buy stablecoins via the 

. Select USDC through the drop-down box, choose a preferred fiat currency, then go to your cart and check out with your preferred payment method. Upon any successful purchases, the USDC should reflect in your Spot Account within five minutes. Alternatively, you may also purchase USDT directly using your credit or debit card via the One-Click Buy portal and then convert the purchased USDT to USDC via the Bybit Convert function.

Select a preferred advertiser with your ideal USDC price listed on the 

, then proceed with the selected payment method. The purchased coins should reflect in the asset wallet once the seller has successfully released the coins.

Enjoy competitive P2P trading prices for purchases, with 0% trading fees and multiple payment methods. Users can buy and sell USDC with local currencies to choose from, such as HKD, IDR, JPY, MYR, PHP, RUB and UAH.

When USDC gained popularity in 2020, users started storing their USDC in personal wallets. Since USDC is powered by Ethereum, there are many ways to store the asset, with the two basic types being either ERC-20–compatible wallets or hardware wallets. 

Any Ethereum wallet can be used for this purpose, for example Atomic Wallet, Coinbase Wallet, MyEtherWallet, Coinomi, AlphaWallet, MetaMask, BitGo and others. As for hardware wallets, the Ledger wallet is the most secure option. 

 campaign, featuring three events that offer you a chance to win a share of the 100,000 USDC prize pool and earn a 12% APR. The campaign runs from Feb 25, 2025 through Mar 16, 2025, 10AM UTC.

New to crypto? Make your first deposit of at least $100 and trade $100 or more in USDC-related Spot pairs (excluding zero-fee pairs) to receive a 5 USDC airdrop. It’s an easy way to begin your crypto journey while earning extra USDC. Limited rewards are available, so act quickly.

Event 2: Bybit Exclusive USDC Simple Earn Yield

Boost your passive income with Bybit’s high-yield USDC savings. Earn 12% APR on USDC Fixed Savings and, if you’re a new user, enjoy an additional 5 USDC APR booster. This exclusive opportunity helps you grow your USDC holdings with minimal effort.

Win guaranteed rewards with the USDC Lucky Spin. Complete simple tasks to earn spin tickets, each spin guaranteeing a prize. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so the faster you participate, the better your chances.

For more information regarding these events, visit Bybit’s official 

While Bitcoin’s currently high volatility makes the future of its mass adoption for daily payments questionable, there are high hopes that stablecoins such as USDC have a chance to change the situation. This stablecoin is a great solution, with many possible use cases and a bright future.

A Beginner’s Guide: What Is USDC and How Does It Work?

Grab Up to 5,000 USDT in Rewards

Grab Up to 5,000 USDT in Rewards