USD Coin (USDC) has emerged as the leading blockchain-based dollar stablecoin within the decentralized finance (DeFi) markets, according to Flipside Crypto data. Launched in September 2018 by Circle and Coinbase, USDC is distinguished by its transparency and regulatory compliance, making it a favored choice for DeFi participants. The stablecoin's characteristics, such as near-instant settlement, cross-chain compatibility, and global availability, have contributed significantly to the DeFi industry's growth by providing a stable asset for financial activities like lending and trading. USDC's popularity is further reinforced by its minimal deviation from the pegged $1 USD price, full backing by USD reserves, and monthly attestations by Grant Thornton, making it a reliable option for institutional and individual investors. While USDT continues to dominate centralized exchanges, USDC leads decentralized exchanges and DeFi products, offering a regulated and transparent gateway to DeFi innovation and attracting millions of new crypto investors.