Tether Unveils USAT Stablecoin in U.S. Market

September 12, 2025, Tether, the issuer of the world’s largest stablecoin USDT, announced the launch of USAT, a fully U.S.-regulated, dollar-backed asset. The announcement, made at a high-profile event in New York City’s Spy Museum, signals Tether’s formal move into the U.S. market after years of operating primarily offshore. With over $169 billion in USDT circulation globally, Tether’s U.S. entry comes amid a friendlier regulatory environment under the Trump administration, supported by the GENIUS Act framework for stablecoins.

USAT’s Regulatory Framework

USAT will be issued by Anchorage Digital, the first federally chartered crypto bank, under OCC regulation. Custody of reserves will be handled by Cantor Fitzgerald, a longtime Tether partner managing its U.S. Treasury holdings. The stablecoin is GENIUS Act-compliant, ensuring reserves in dollars and short-term Treasuries to enhance transparency and stability.

USAT will operate on Tether’s Hadron tokenization platform, enabling seamless compatibility with crypto infrastructure. Targeted use cases include remittances, global payments, and e-commerce checkouts, areas where USDT already dominates internationally.

Leadership at the Helm

Tether announced Bo Hines as CEO of Tether USA₮, based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Hines previously served as Executive Director of the White House Crypto Council under President Trump, playing a key role in shaping U.S. crypto policy.

Hines emphasized USAT’s vision: “By building USAT with compliance, transparency, and innovation at its core, we are ensuring that the dollar remains the foundation of trust in the digital asset space.”

Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino reinforced this direction, calling USAT a commitment to ensuring dollar dominance in the digital age. The leadership shift highlights Tether’s deepening ties in Washington, including alliances with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick of Cantor Fitzgerald.

Strategic Implications for Tether

The launch of USAT represents a seismic shift for Tether. Long criticized for avoiding U.S. regulation, the company now positions itself for domestic institutional adoption, challenging rivals like USDC. With 500 million global users and daily volumes surpassing traditional payment processors, USAT could cement Tether’s role in both Wall Street integration and everyday digital finance.

In 2024, Tether generated $13 billion in profits, largely from U.S. Treasury yields. By launching a U.S.-regulated stablecoin, the company aligns its revenue engine with a compliant framework, strengthening credibility. While skeptics question the timing due to past controversies, supporters view USAT as a milestone in the stablecoin sector’s maturation.