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Polymarket Ditches USDC and Launches Its Own Stablecoin

By

Shweta Chakrawarty

Shweta Chakrawarty

Polymarket announced its "biggest change to date," a full infrastructure upgrade introducing a native digital fiat, Polymarket USD.

Polymarket Ditches USDC and Launches Its Own Stablecoin

Quick Take

Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed.

  • Polymarket USD (PUSD) will replace bridged USDC.e as primary collateral, backed 1:1 by native USDC.

  • The "CTF Exchange V2" upgrade features a rebuilt engine for faster execution and lower gas costs.

  • A new hybrid model blends off-chain order matching with on-chain settlement via EIP-1271.

  • Existing orders will be cleared during a brief maintenance window over the next 2–3 weeks.

The Polymarket is making a big shift in how its platform works. It is moving away from bridged USDC. Furthermore, it’s introducing a new stablecoin called Polymarket USD. This change is not small. In fact, the team calls it the biggest upgrade since the platform first launched. 

While it shows how fast the platform is growing and adapting to user needs. The rollout will not happen all at once. Instead, it will take place step by step over the next few weeks.

Why Polymarket Is Moving Away From USDC?

Until now, Polymarket has used USDC.e, a bridged version of USDC. While it works, it comes with some risks. Bridges can be slow and sometimes they fail. In some cases, they can even be targets for hacks. With this, many platforms are trying to reduce their reliance on them.

So, Polymarket decided to build its own system. The new Polymarket USD will still be backed 1:1 by USDC. This means its value should stay stable. However, it removes the extra layer that comes with bridging. Therefore, users can expect smoother and safer transactions.

A Bigger Upgrade Behind the Scenes

The new stablecoin is only one part of the update. At the same time, Polymarket is rebuilding its entire trading system. The platform is introducing a new trading engine. This will improve speed and reduce delays.

It is also updating smart contracts. These changes aim to make the system cleaner and more reliable. In addition, a new order book model will help handle more trades at once. Together, these updates are designed to support future growth. They also prepare the platform for higher demand.

What Will Change for Users?

For most users, the transition will be easy. The platform will handle the switch in the background. But there is one key step. All open orders will be canceled during a short maintenance window. This is needed to move everything to the new system safely. 

Polymarket has said it will give users enough notice before this happens. Meanwhile, advanced users may need to take extra steps. For example, they might need to update their tools or wrap tokens manually. Still, for everyday users, the process should feel smooth.

What This Means Going Forward?

This move shows a clear trend in crypto. Platforms are trying to build more of their own infrastructure. By launching its own stablecoin, Polymarket gains better control over its system. It can manage liquidity, reduce risks and improve performance.

While this could make the platform more reliable for users. Faster trades and lower costs can attract more activity. Looking ahead, this upgrade could help Polymarket grow even faster. If everything works as planned, it may set a new standard for prediction markets. For now, the focus is clear. Build a stronger system first, then scale it.

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