Tether is expanding its foothold in the US with the launch of a new US-specific stablecoin called USAT, designed to comply with evolving US regulations. This move marks a significant shift for the stablecoin giant.
The venture in the U.S. and emphasis on compliance reflect Tether's goal of consolidating its position in the regulatory landscape and expanding its reach both nationally and internationally.
According to Tether's CEO Paolo Ardoino, USAT will serve as an “America-first” product, while its flagship USDT will continue to serve global markets.
Ardoino stresses that USAT should bring financial services to U.S. investors, while maintaining strict adherence to new legal frameworks such as the recently passed GENIUS Act, which formalizes stablecoin regulation in the United States.
Despite significant criticism related to the oversight and use of USDT in illegal activities, Tether is now committed to upgrading its standards in compliance to meet stringent U.S. money laundering laws and auditing requirements. Ardoino reaffirms the company's objective to gain USDT full regulatory confidence in order to enter the US market under the new legal framework for foreign issuers.
USAT will be led by Bo Hines, former executive director of the White House's Digital Assets Task Force, who was recently hired by Tether as CEO of the new stablecoin project. The token, to be issued by Anchorage Digital, is expected to be launched by the end of 2025. The USAT operation will be headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a small team focused on meeting the unique needs of U.S. users.
Anchorage Digital will own shares in the new company that operates USAT. Tether also has strong ties to key US players, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, whose firm manages billions in US government bonds propping up under USDT.
In addition to USAT, Ardoino launched ambitious plans for Tether to become the world's largest Bitcoin mining player by the end of 2025. This diversification signals Tether's broader strategy to strengthen its presence in the crypto ecosystem beyond stablecoins.
