Stablecoin $USDC Collapses, De-Pegs From Dollar — US$3.3bn Exposed To SVB Bankruptcy

USDC, Native Coin of Circle, Collapses Ⓒ 2023 – Crypto Coin Opps
USDC, Native Coin of Circle, Collapses Ⓒ 2023 – Crypto Coin Opps
USDC, Native Coin of Circle, Collapses Ⓒ 2023 – Crypto Coin Opps

Circle, a well-known digital currency firm that provides various services such as cryptocurrency trading, investing, and payments, has disclosed that it holds $3.3 billion of exposure to Silicon Valley Bank.

This announcement sparked concerns about the bank’s balance sheet stability, as Circle’s recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) indicates that it views its exposure to a single bank as a significant risk factor.

As a result, the USD Coin (USDC), a popular stablecoin, experienced a significant drop in value and lost its dollar peg, reaching an all-time low of $0.87.

However, the coin managed to recover most of its losses after Circle, the company behind USDC, reassured investors that it would maintain the peg despite its exposure to the failed Silicon Valley Bank.

The news caused worry among investors, who are now questioning the financial health of Silicon Valley Bank. The bank has a history of working with many fintech firms, including crypto-related companies, but it has not yet released any statement regarding the matter.

Circle’s exposure to Silicon Valley Bank accounts for approximately 17% of the bank’s total deposits, indicating the level of reliance the digital currency firm has on the bank.

“As a regulated payment token, USDC will remain redeemable 1 for 1 with the U.S. Dollar”, the company wrote in a blog post.

What This Means For The Crypto Market

This exposure comes at a time when the crypto industry is facing increased regulatory scrutiny, with many regulators worldwide cracking down on digital assets.

The news also highlights the interconnectivity of the financial system and the potential risks that can arise from such connections. If Silicon Valley Bank were to suffer a major loss, it could have ripple effects on the entire financial system, given the bank’s role in the fintech industry.

Circle’s filing also highlights the broader issue of transparency in the cryptocurrency industry.

Despite being a highly innovative and disruptive sector, the crypto industry has faced criticism for its lack of transparency and accountability. The recent disclosure by the institution will surely weigh in on future regulation proposals by international governments.

While the exposure to Silicon Valley Bank represents a significant risk for the company, spokespeople assured that it has taken steps to reduce its exposure by diversifying its banking relationships.

The firm now has relationships with multiple banks, including those outside of the United States, to decrease its reliance on any single institution.

Please follow and like us: