Cardano Launches USDCx to Compete with Ethereum and Solana in Stablecoin Liquidity

TheNewsCryptoPublished on 2026-02-16Last updated on 2026-02-16

Abstract

Cardano is set to launch USDCx, a dollar-pegged stablecoin backed 1:1 by Circle’s USDC, by the end of February. The initiative, confirmed by Anastasia Labs CEO Philip DiSaro, aims to address Cardano's significant stablecoin liquidity shortage, which currently stands below $40 million—far less than competitors like Ethereum and Solana. USDCx will be usable across DeFi applications on Cardano and interoperable via Circle’s reserve system, though direct dollar redemption remains limited to institutional partners. The launch coincides with Cardano's integration with LayerZero, enabling cross-chain communication with over 50 blockchains. Despite recent declines in ADA's value, the success of USDCx could boost DeFi activity and attract more developers and traders to the ecosystem.

Cardano is preparing to launch its USDCx, a dollar-pegged stablecoin linked to Circle’s USDC, at the end of February. This move aims to solve the stablecoin liquidity shortage. Philip DiSaro, CEO of Anastasia Labs, a smart contract development firm building within the Cardano ecosystem, confirmed the update on February 15.

What this Launch means for Cardano

This launch mainly focuses on stablecoin liquidity. Stablecoins are used for trading, payments, lending, and borrowing. Data from the industry trackers shows that Cardano hosts less than $40 million in stablecoins, which is much less compared to other chains like Ethereum or Solana. Cardano believes that by bringing USDCx, it could increase the number of traders and developers building serious financial products on the Cardano ecosystem.

According to DiSaro, USDCx is backed by 1:1 real USDC and usable across DeFi apps with support through Circle’s reserve system. For users, USDCx acts similarly to USDC, with one technical difference: the direct redemption for dollars from Circle is available only to Circle’s institutional partners.

This launch comes while Cardano is integrating with LayerZero, which allows apps on Cardano to communicate with more than 50 blockchains. Despite these upgrades, Cardano’s native token, ADA, has fallen over 25% in the last month. So traders are waiting for the real usage growth instead of just the infrastructure announcement.

If USDCx brings stablecoin liquidity, then it may increase the DeFi activity, and the trading volume could grow with more builders. For Cardano, February will be the most important month to show that the improved access to dollar liquidity can finally help its DeFi.

Highlighted Crypto News:

Can Bittensor Sustain Its 20% Rally After Rebounding From $160?

TagsADACardano

Related Questions

QWhat is USDCx and how is it related to Circle's USDC?

AUSDCx is a dollar-pegged stablecoin launched on Cardano that is directly linked to Circle's USDC. It is backed 1:1 by real USDC reserves and can be used across DeFi applications, though direct dollar redemption from Circle is only available to their institutional partners.

QWhat problem does Cardano aim to solve by launching USDCx?

ACardano aims to solve the stablecoin liquidity shortage on its network. Currently, Cardano hosts less than $40 million in stablecoins, which is significantly less than competitors like Ethereum and Solana.

QWho confirmed the launch of USDCx on the Cardano network and when?

APhilip DiSaro, CEO of Anastasia Labs, a smart contract development firm building within the Cardano ecosystem, confirmed the update on February 15.

QWhat major interoperability development is Cardano undergoing alongside the USDCx launch?

ACardano is integrating with LayerZero, which will allow applications on its network to communicate with more than 50 other blockchains.

QHow has Cardano's native token, ADA, performed recently despite these developments?

ADespite these upgrades and announcements, Cardano's native token, ADA, has fallen over 25% in the last month, with traders waiting to see real usage growth rather than just infrastructure announcements.

Related Reads

Spring Festival Asset Security Guide: How to Protect Your Tokens While Relaxing with Family and Friends?

Ahead of the Lunar New Year, this guide outlines key strategies to protect your digital assets during a period of increased activity and potential distraction. Key risks highlighted include sophisticated AI-powered scams, such as voice and deepfake video calls that can perfectly mimic acquaintances to request urgent token transfers. The article stresses that traditional verification methods are no longer foolproof and recommends establishing offline verification protocols with trusted contacts. It also warns against clicking any links, even those shared by friends, and advises always using official channels for transactions. The second major risk involves accumulated wallet authorizations (approvals) from past DeFi interactions. These can become hidden vulnerabilities if old, unused permissions are exploited. The guide recommends a pre-holiday "security check" to review and revoke unnecessary approvals, especially unlimited ones, using tools within wallets like imToken or external sites like revoke.cash. The core principle is to adhere to the minimum necessary permissions. Finally, the article cautions against security lapses during travel and social gatherings. This includes never storing seed phrases digitally, avoiding public discussion of holdings, and only downloading wallets from official sources. For transactions, it is critical to double-check the full address (not just the first and last characters), conduct test transfers to new addresses, and use address whitelisting to prevent falling victim to common phishing attacks. In conclusion, while Web3 cannot be risk-free, these proactive measures can create a manageable security environment, allowing users to enjoy the holiday with greater peace of mind.

marsbit8m ago

Spring Festival Asset Security Guide: How to Protect Your Tokens While Relaxing with Family and Friends?

marsbit8m ago

From Real Estate to the Internet, Where Lies the Wealth Code for the Next Decade?

The article explores where the next decade's wealth opportunities lie, arguing that each generation’s “wealth code” is shaped by its unique experiences—from real estate and manufacturing in the 70s to internet and tech stocks in the 80s and 90s. For Gen Z and beyond, the key may be virtual economies and digital assets, exemplified by platforms like Roblox. Roblox is not just a game but a financial training ground where young users learn business, economics, and investment through creating and trading virtual items. Examples include teens earning millions by developing games, learning pricing, team management, and ROI in the process. Roblox paid over $1 billion to creators in a year, with top earners making around $1 million annually. However, over 99% earn under $1,000, reflecting real-world economic dynamics. Traditional institutions like TD Bank are taking note, launching educational games on Roblox to engage youth where they are, recognizing that financial literacy is shifting from physical banks to digital environments. Meanwhile, brands like e.l.f. Beauty and fintech firms are also entering this space, blurring lines between industries. The piece highlights a generational shift in asset perception: virtual items (e.g., CS:GO skins valued at $5.8 billion) and cryptocurrencies are seen as legitimate assets by Gen Z, with 51% owning crypto and fewer than 50% holding traditional bank accounts. Trust is moving from institutions to digital consensus and code-based systems. Three forces drive this trend: cognitive lock-in (investing in familiar digital realms), intergenerational trust transfer (from physical assets to virtual consensus), and network effects (collective engagement boosting value). Roblox, often mislabeled as a game company, acts as a central bank, regulator, and economic infrastructure—issuing currency, taking transaction fees, and maintaining ecosystem stability. Its “losses” are strategic, akin to early-stage Alipay, investing in habit-forming infrastructure. The conclusion: the next decade’s wealth will be built where young people spend time—virtual worlds that blend entertainment, economy, and education. Understanding their redefinition of assets and trust is key to foreseeing future financial landscapes.

marsbit12m ago

From Real Estate to the Internet, Where Lies the Wealth Code for the Next Decade?

marsbit12m ago

Bitcoin Drops to $68K Amid Four-Week Slide, but Bullish Divergence Hints at $71K Test

Bitcoin (BTC) briefly reclaimed $70,000 over the weekend but has since dropped back toward $68,000, extending a four-week losing streak. Despite the downtrend, a bullish divergence in the RSI suggests potential for a short-term recovery, with $71,000 seen as a key resistance level to watch. Technical structure remains fragile, with support near $60,000–$65,000 where larger buyers accumulated. A break above $72,000 could open a path toward $75,000, while rejection may lead to a retest of $65,000 or lower. Macro uncertainty and seasonal factors like Chinese New Year add to market caution, though long-term holders remain confident.

bitcoinist15m ago

Bitcoin Drops to $68K Amid Four-Week Slide, but Bullish Divergence Hints at $71K Test

bitcoinist15m ago

Inside LayerZero [ZRO] unlock countdown – What THIS spike means for holders

LayerZero (ZRO) experienced a 7% decline, trading near $1.67, amid a significant spike in transfer volume to $164.9 billion, indicating potential supply distribution. The price fell below key EMAs, with the $1.60 demand zone becoming a critical support level. An upcoming token unlock on February 20th adds bearish pressure, potentially testing the $1.60 level aggressively. If buyers fail to hold this zone, bearish momentum may extend, with sellers currently holding the edge.

ambcrypto46m ago

Inside LayerZero [ZRO] unlock countdown – What THIS spike means for holders

ambcrypto46m ago

From Grunt Engineer to Crypto Billionaire: Solana's Leader Toly's Wealth Exposed

Anatoly Yakovenko, creator of the Solana blockchain, has become a leading figure in the industry and a known billionaire. Born in the Soviet Union, he immigrated to the U.S. in the 1990s. With a background in computer science and over a decade at Qualcomm working on distributed systems, he later entered crypto through Bitcoin mining. In 2017, he authored the Proof of History whitepaper, which became the foundation for Solana. Yakovenko’s estimated net worth in 2026 ranges between $500 million and $1.2 billion, heavily tied to SOL's price volatility. He reportedly holds a significant amount of SOL tokens—with one suspected wallet containing over 136,725 SOL (worth over $11 million)—and stakes millions more across several addresses. Additionally, he owns an estimated 5-10% of Solana Labs, valued between $5-8 billion, and has made over 40 angel investments in the Solana ecosystem. His wealth has seen dramatic swings: it potentially exceeded $2-3 billion during SOL’s 2021 peak but fell below $100 million during the 2022 bear market. Despite a market correction in early 2026, his financial standing remains strong due to his diversified holdings and equity in Solana Labs.

Odaily星球日报1h ago

From Grunt Engineer to Crypto Billionaire: Solana's Leader Toly's Wealth Exposed

Odaily星球日报1h ago

Trading

Spot
Futures

Hot Articles

Discussions

Welcome to the HTX Community. Here, you can stay informed about the latest platform developments and gain access to professional market insights. Users' opinions on the price of ADA (ADA) are presented below.

活动图片

Top Questions

Hot Categoriesright-arrow

Hot Tagsright-arrow