Tether has launched a new dollar backed stablecoin designed specifically for the United States market, marking a strategic shift toward full domestic regulatory compliance. The token, branded USAT, is issued through Anchorage Digital Bank and operates under federal oversight from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Unlike USDT, which serves global markets, USAT is tailored to meet U.S. regulatory standards set under the GENIUS Act. The move positions Tether directly within the American financial system at a time when institutional demand for regulated digital dollars is accelerating. By anchoring issuance within a federally chartered bank, Tether aims to address long standing concerns around jurisdiction, governance and compliance that have limited its adoption among U.S. based institutions.
The launch places Tether in more direct competition with Circle, whose USDC has long been favored by U.S. institutions for its domestic alignment. With USAT, Tether is leveraging its scale and financial resources to challenge that position while keeping USDT as its primary global liquidity product. The project is led by Bo Hines, who oversees the U.S. focused stablecoin initiative, and includes Cantor Fitzgerald as reserve custodian and primary dealer. This structure is intended to provide institutional grade transparency and asset management from the outset. USAT will coexist alongside USDT rather than replace it, allowing Tether to operate across both international and U.S. regulated markets as stablecoin policy becomes more clearly defined.
At launch, USAT is supported by several major exchanges and payment platforms, including Kraken, OKX and Crypto.com, giving it immediate distribution across retail and institutional channels. Stablecoins continue to play a central role in digital finance, functioning as payment rails and settlement tools across crypto markets. By entering the U.S. regulatory perimeter, Tether is signaling a willingness to adapt its model as lawmakers and regulators push for clearer standards. The introduction of USAT reflects a broader industry trend toward domestically issued, fully regulated stablecoins aimed at bridging traditional finance and blockchain based payments within established legal frameworks.
