Circle, the issuer of the popular USD Coin (USDC) stablecoin, has made a splash in the world of digital euros. Their euro-backed stablecoin, EURC, is now live on the Base network, marking a first for both EURC and the Ethereum layer-2 solution.
Previously, EURC was only available natively on blockchains like Ethereum, Avalanche, Solana, and Stellar. This move expands EURC’s reach and introduces it to the faster and potentially cheaper transaction environment of layer-2 networks.
Significantly, Circle claims the Base versions of EURC and USDC are the first stablecoins on the network to comply with the new European Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulation. This could make them attractive options for businesses and users seeking euro-based transactions within a regulatory framework.
The launch also paves the way for easier layer-2 forex trading between euros and dollars. Traditionally, forex trades on blockchains involved converting between different tokenized versions of currencies, adding complexity and potential fees. With EURC readily available on Base, users might benefit from a more streamlined experience.
However, there’s a caveat. While EURC is now live on Base, it’s not yet widely listed on major decentralized exchanges (DEXs) built on the network. This limits its immediate use for widespread forex trading on Base.
Overall, Circle’s move signifies a strategic expansion for EURC and potentially positions it well for future growth within the MiCA regulatory framework. The potential for smoother forex trades on layer 2 is another exciting development, but wider DEX adoption on Base will be crucial for realizing this benefit.
