Stablecoins - USDT and USDC
Introduction
In 2014, the first stablecoin, BitUSD, was introduced to crypto exchanges [1]. A stablecoin is a type of cryptocurrency that, in theory, protects holders from price volatility by backing each token with a unit of a fiat currency or using an algorithm that ensures price stability. A fiat-backed stablecoin is pegged to the value of a real-world currency like the dollar, euro, or sterling. With regards to fully-backed stablecoins, for each token in circulation, the issuer has one unit of the fiat-currency in its reserves. Thus, in theory, holders can exchange one stablecoin token for one unit of fiat currency at any time. Theoretically, this is how a fiat-backed stablecoin keeps its “peg”. As mentioned in our previous article, algorithmic stablecoins use an algorithm to control supply and demand and thus keep the stablecoin “pegged” to a fiat currency [2]. Stablecoins are connected to fiat currencies, thus making them ‘stable’ compared to other cryptocurrencies, but they still allow the holder to reap the benefits of distributed ledger technology and can provide increased liquidity to fiat currency. Holders can use stablecoins to easily move fiat currency around and between blockchains. Stablecoins can also be used as a substitute for cash for crypto native investors, as it’s quicker and cheaper to trade crypto on a decentralised exchange than converting cash from a bank account into crypto, usually going through a centralised exchange and/or middleman. This article will detail the two largest ‘fully-backed’ stablecoins in the market, there are of course other stablecoins in the market, and we will cover them further in our stablecoin series.
Figure: Interaction with DeFi platforms, a real life use of stablecoins.
USDT
Launched in 2014, Tether (i.e., USDT) is currently the stablecoin with the greatest market cap. It’s backed by the US dollar and is issued on various blockchains by a company called Tether Limited. Tether Limited promises holders that they can trade one token of Tether for one dollar at any time [3]. Additionally, the company maintains that if every holder of Tether were to exchange all of their tokens at the same time, Tether Limited could exchange each token for a dollar. Aside from making decentralised finance easier, there are financial incentives for holding Tether. Tether is not designed to appreciate, but holders can still use it to grow their capital through attractive return rates. Crypto platforms can leverage user deposits to lend USDT to other market participants, or even provide the USDT to a Liquidity Pool (a major DEFI mechanism), therefore? they will pay holders for storing USDT on their platform. For example, Nexo has an annual percentage yield of 12% for Tether as of June 2022 [4], this is because USDT is widely accepted and used across crypto applications. Tether keeps its peg because each token is exchanged for one dollar which is then stored in Tether Limited’s reserves. When the holder is ready to exchange their token for a dollar, there will be one waiting to be exchanged in the reserve. Tether relies on holders trusting that Tether Limited’s reserves can back every single unit of Tether in circulation. General concerns about Tether’s reserves have reared their head on more than one occasion, however, these can be moderately alleviated by checking their ‘Transparency’ page, where they break down their reserves by asset type and also provide assurance reports conducted by third parties [5].
USDC
Currently, the second largest stablecoin by market cap is USD Coin (USDC). It was launched in 2018 by Centre and is backed by the US dollar. Centre is a consortium of two financial technology firms, Circle and Coinbase. USDC has transparency around its backing, and is seen as a “safer” stablecoin than Tether [6]. USDC’s reserves are held in major United States financial institutions, which brings peace-of-mind to holders. Additionally, USDC exchanges report the amount of dollars in reserves on a consistent basis [7]. Since its launch, USDC has gained some ground in catching up to Tether, even though Tether has four more years of establishment than USDC. Clearly, transparency is important to crypto-goers. Like Tether, USDC allows the holder to reap the benefits of blockchain technology.
Conclusion
Stablecoins provide the stability of fiat-currencies and the liquidity of cryptocurrencies to holders. While it seems they provide protection from volatility, stablecoins still rely on the trust of their holders. Negative information or speculation about reserves can affect the price of stablecoins, even though they’re designed to keep their peg. Transparency concerns will continue to be relevant in the stablecoin market so long as issuers refuse to grant it. However, the promise of stability amidst a volatile crypto world will keep stablecoins relevant to crypto exchange.?
领英推荐
Written by Maisie Jones
References
Executive Director at The Emerge Foundation
2 年Proud of you Maisie Jones!