Tether Expands USAT Stablecoin to Mobile-Focused Celo Network

Tether's USAT stablecoin has expanded to Celo, a layer-1 network focused on mobile payments. This marks the first time a major stablecoin issuer has deployed a compliant asset on a chain other than Ethereum.

The move is significant because it shows that regulatory compliance does not have to mean staying on a single chain. USAT's $185 million market capitalization may be modest, but the token is designed to meet the requirements of the GENIUS Act, a U.S. legislative push to bring stablecoin issuance under a clear regulatory perimeter.

Celo's user base is smaller compared to Ethereum, and it remains to be seen whether payment providers and wallet developers will integrate USAT into their flows. However, the network's mobile narrative and lightweight client make it an attractive choice for users in emerging markets.