Tether's Compliant Stablecoin USAT Expands to Mobile-Focused Celo Blockchain
Tether's USAT stablecoin has made its first move beyond Ethereum, debuting on Celo, a mobile-first blockchain focused on real-world payments. The GENIUS Act-compliant token, issued by Anchorage Digital Bank, allows users to natively mint and burn USAT and pay gas fees directly with the asset.
This move is significant as it shows that regulated stablecoins can operate on multiple chains, fragmenting the competitive landscape for these assets. Celo's focus on mobile payments and its lightweight client make it an attractive choice for projects targeting emerging markets.
The deployment of USAT on Celo coincides with a fierce political battle over stablecoin regulation in Washington, where major banking groups are lobbying for changes to the crypto bill. Tether is taking a proactive approach by issuing a compliant stablecoin that can operate under anticipated new rules.