Tether Moves to Solidify U.S. Presence with New Stablecoin “USAT”

Tether Moves to Solidify U.S. Presence with New Stablecoin “USAT”

Tether, the issuer behind the world’s most traded stablecoin USDT, has revealed plans to launch a fully regulated U.S.-based stablecoin called USAT. The company aims to roll it out by the end of 2025, targeting American residents under tighter regulatory oversight. 

• USAT will be issued via Anchorage Digital Bank, a U.S. trust bank regulated under the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. 

• Bo Hines, a former White House official, will lead the initiative, and Cantor Fitzgerald will handle custody of reserves. 

• Unlike USDT, USAT is designed to fully comply with the GENIUS Act. That means clearer rules, stricter backing requirements, and greater transparency. However, Tether says there are no current plans to offer yield on USAT.

Significance:
This is a strategic pivot by Tether—not just following regulatory pressure but embracing it. With U.S. rules tightening around stablecoins, USAT is positioned to serve users who want stability + compliance. It also pits Tether directly against existing players in regulated stablecoins (like Circle’s USDC) in a marketplace where regulatory legitimacy is increasingly a differentiator.