Sky’s USDS has overtaken Ethena’s USDe to become the third-largest stablecoin issuer with a $12.5 billion market cap. The shift comes amid diverging growth trends between collateral-backed and yield-generating stablecoin models.
Sky Ranks Third Biggest Stablecoin Issuer
According to Token Terminal, Sky (formerly MakerDAO) is now the third-largest stablecoin issuer behind Tether (USDT) and Circle (USDC).
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USDS ($10.8 billion) is currently approximately twice the size of USDe ($4.58 billion), marking a divergence in recent market performance between the two assets.
The flip represents a dramatic reversal of fortunes compared to late 2025, when Ethena’s USDe was the industry’s “growth darling” and briefly reached a $14.7 billion market cap in September amid hype around Ethena’s synthetic dollar protocol, which promised high yields through delta-hedging strategies.
USDe has since declined to approximately $4.58 billion in market value, down more than 11% since January. As of the time of writing, USDS has a market capitalization of around $10.8 billion, near one of its all-time highs.
Shift Toward Stability Over Yield
The divergence in growth trajectories between USDS and USDe points to a potential shift in capital allocation. USDe’s earlier expansion was closely tied to yield opportunities, while USDS emphasizes collateral-backed stability and predictability.
Market participants may be reassessing exposure to yield-dependent stablecoin models, particularly those reliant on derivatives or funding rate dynamics.
In contrast, overcollateralized designs such as USDS may be perceived as more aligned with institutional requirements, including transparency and risk management.
USDS is also increasingly viewed as a more “institutional-friendly” option. Its lower reliance on complex derivatives and greater structural transparency align more closely with emerging global regulatory expectations.
If current trends continue, Sky could capture a larger share of the $315 billion stablecoin market. Tether remains dominant at over $188 billion, followed by Circle at nearly $78 billion, while Sky’s approximately 3.4% market share indicates gradual momentum within the sector.
Why This Matters
The rise of Sky into the number three position challenges the 2025 narrative that synthetic, yield-bearing stablecoins would dominate the next market cycle. Instead, current market dynamics suggest a preference for consistency and established collateral-backed models.
If this trend holds, Sky could further gain market share from higher-risk competitors, pointing to a broader shift where stability and reliability are becoming central considerations in the stablecoin sector.
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People Also Ask:
USDS is a collateral-backed stablecoin issued within the Sky ecosystem (formerly MakerDAO), designed to maintain a stable value through overcollateralized assets.
USDe is a synthetic stablecoin developed by Ethena that aims to maintain its peg using delta-hedging and yield-generating strategies.
Stablecoins are digital assets designed to maintain a stable value, commonly used for trading, payments, and liquidity in crypto markets.
