Stellar (XLM) vs USDC (USDC)

Stellar is a layer 1 blockchain platform designed to support fast, secure, and low-cost value transfers between different currencies. Launched in 2014 by one of the co-founders of Ripple, another cryptocurrency project aimed at facilitating cross-border payments for businesses and institutions, Stellar focuses more on modest daily exchanges. The Stellar network uses a unique consensus protocol, the Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP), which allows for rapid transaction confirmation without relying on Proof of Work (PoW) or Proof of Stake (PoS).

USDC is a stablecoin, meaning it is a stable cryptocurrency aimed at replicating the value of the US dollar (USD). Launched in 2018 by the company Circle, USDC is one of the most widely used centralized stablecoins by investors. Each USDC is backed by one US dollar held in cash or equivalent assets. Circle's reserves are audited and made public on a monthly basis. In 2024, Circle became the first stablecoin issuer to comply with the MiCA regulation in Europe.