Tether, the powerhouse behind the $148 billion USDT stablecoin, is setting its sights on launching a U.S.-centric stablecoin by late this year or early 2026. This ambitious plan hinges on the unfolding landscape of U.S. stablecoin regulation, according to CEO Paolo Ardoino in a recent dialogue with CNBC. “The timeline for the final legislation on stablecoins will be the decisive factor, but we are aiming for a launch by the end of this year or early next year at the fastest,” Ardoino remarked.
A New Contender in the U.S. Market
The proposed U.S.-focused stablecoin marks a strategic pivot for Tether, which has traditionally targeted users in emerging markets where access to U.S. dollars is constrained. Ardoino envisions a product tailored for the American financial ecosystem, aspiring to rival established payment solutions like PayPal’s CashApp. “In the U.S., you need a payment product that institutions can leverage, something competitive with PayPal’s offerings,” he explained.
Tether’s maneuver comes at a time when the stablecoin landscape is poised for transformation. Regulatory changes, particularly under the current administration, have seemingly relaxed, providing a fertile ground for Tether’s expansion. With Donald Trump’s return to the White House, the regulatory scrutiny on crypto firms has notably diminished, offering Tether a window to strengthen its U.S. foothold.
Navigating a Crowded Marketplace
The stablecoin sector is not without its challenges; competition is intensifying as the U.S. inches closer to comprehensive legislation. Rival company Circle, the entity behind the $62 billion USDC token, recently unveiled plans to develop a cross-border payments and remittances network. Such developments underscore the potential for the stablecoin market to burgeon into a multi-trillion-dollar industry by the decade’s end, as projected by Citigroup.
Tether’s efforts to carve out a niche in this evolving market are underscored by Ardoino’s recent U.S. tour, where he engaged with key stakeholders at events, including a notable conference hosted by Wall Street investment giant Cantor Fitzgerald. This firm, instrumental in managing Tether’s extensive U.S. Treasury holdings, further intertwines with the current administration through former CEO Howard Lutnick, now serving as Secretary of Commerce.
A Glimpse into the Future
While the prospect of Tether’s U.S.-focused stablecoin is rife with potential, questions linger about how forthcoming regulations will shape its trajectory. The stablecoin arena is at a critical juncture, with legislative efforts potentially redefining the contours of digital currency operations within the United States.
As Tether positions itself for this next chapter, the industry watches closely, keen to see how the interplay between innovation and regulation will unfold. Will Tether’s strategic foray into the U.S. market pay dividends, or will it face unforeseen hurdles in the regulatory labyrinth? These are the questions that will shape the narrative in the months to come, as the stablecoin saga continues to evolve.
Source
This article is based on: Tether’s U.S.-Focused Stablecoin Could Launch Later This Year, CEO Paolo Ardoino Says
Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
