Circle is pioneering a redemptive use for cryptocurrency: humanitarian aid. In December, it partnered with the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees to distribute Circle’s USD Coin via secure digital wallets to Ukrainian refugees, who can exchange it for local currencies. Pegged to the U.S. dollar, USDC is a “stablecoin” intended for reliable digital use. The $30 billion USDC in circulation is backed by real dollars Circle has in regulated U.S. financial institutions—in contrast to the more volatile crypto norm. The firm’s big goal? To make transfers via blockchain as hassle-free as email. “We like to say we’re boring, but boring turns out to be great business,” says CEO and co-founder Jeremy Allaire.
A weekly newsletter featuring conversations with the world’s top CEOs, managers, and founders. Join the Leadership Brief.
- Why Trump’s Message Worked on Latino Men
- What Trump’s Win Could Mean for Housing
- The 100 Must-Read Books of 2024
- Sleep Doctors Share the 1 Tip That’s Changed Their Lives
- Column: Let’s Bring Back Romance
- What It’s Like to Have Long COVID As a Kid
- FX’s Say Nothing Is the Must-Watch Political Thriller of 2024
- Merle Bombardieri Is Helping People Make the Baby Decision
