Tether to Introduce USAT Stablecoin in U.S. Led by Bo Hines
Tether plans USAT stablecoin for the U.S. market, led by former White House crypto official Bo Hines, targeting institutional payments and interbank transfers.
Key Points
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Tether officially enters the U.S.: USAT gives the company a direct role in America’s financial system.
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Top-tier leadership: Bo Hines, former White House crypto advisor, is steering U.S. operations.
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Designed for high-value payments: USAT targets banks and large-scale transactions, not regular users.
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Stronger transparency and compliance: Tether aims to meet U.S. regulations and address audit concerns.
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Could redefine U.S. stablecoins: USAT may set a new standard for regulated digital currency in the American market.
Tether revealed on Friday that it will introduce a new U.S.-based stablecoin called USAT by the end of the year. The initiative will be led by Bo Hines, former executive director of the White House crypto council, who joined Tether in August as strategic advisor for U.S. operations. Speaking at an event in New York City attended by industry leaders such as venture capitalist Kyle Samani and Chainalysis CEO Jonathan Levin, Hines said the company aims to establish USAT as a trusted tool for institutional payments and interbank transactions within the United States.
The U.S. initiative marks a significant shift for Tether, which had largely remained outside the American financial system. The move comes after Congress passed the Genius Act, landmark legislation providing a clearer regulatory framework for stablecoins. According to CEO Paolo Ardoino, the USAT stablecoin will focus on institutional payments and interbank settlements, positioning the company to facilitate large-scale financial transactions rather than retail usage.
Historically, Tether has taken a cautious approach toward regulatory engagement. The company opted not to enter the European Union following the introduction of the Markets in Cryptoassets Regulation (MiCA) in 2023. In addition, Tether has faced long-standing challenges with auditing. Instead of traditional audits, the company currently uses “attestations” to verify reserves, a method that lacks the credibility of audits conducted under public company standards. Ardoino has expressed interest in partnering with one of the Big Four accounting firms, which previously declined due to reputational concerns.
Hines described Tether’s U.S. expansion as ambitious, noting that the company plans to establish USAT as a key stablecoin for institutional transactions and interbank settlements. The initiative is designed to strengthen Tether’s presence in the American financial system while addressing regulatory requirements and fostering confidence among banks and oversight agencies.
Through USAT, Tether intends to expand its footprint in the U.S. while establishing a stablecoin that meets regulatory standards for institutional use. The launch could represent a significant step for the company, integrating it more fully into the American financial system and positioning it as a compliant option for banks and large-scale financial institutions.
Also Read: Tether Appoints Former White House Crypto Adviser Bo Hines for U.S. Market Expansion
