ERC-20 USD Coin (USDC) is a stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the US dollar, designed for fast, efficient, and cost-effective transactions within the Ethereum blockchain ecosystem. It adheres to the ERC-20 standard, ensuring wide compatibility with decentralized applications (dApps) and other blockchain-based services. Managed by Centre, a consortium including Circle and Coinbase, USDC's stability is maintained through smart contracts and reserves, with each token backed by an equivalent amount of fiat currency in its reserves, audited and verified by third parties. This setup guarantees the token's value and supports its use across payments, decentralized finance (DeFi), and as a bridge between digital and traditional currencies, making USDC a reliable and versatile choice for blockchain transactions.