Tether, the world's largest stablecoin issuer, has announced plans to launch its USDT stablecoin natively on the Bitcoin blockchain through the RGB protocol. The move, announced on August 28, 2025, will enable users to hold and transfer USDT directly alongside Bitcoin in the same wallet, leveraging Bitcoin's security infrastructure.
The RGB protocol, which recently reached mainnet with its 0.11.1 release, is designed as a next-generation layer for issuing digital assets on Bitcoin. It enables private, scalable, and user-controlled asset issuance, creating a pathway for stablecoins to operate natively on Bitcoin's blockchain. This integration will allow USDT to run directly on Bitcoin's infrastructure, supporting advanced features like offline transactions for greater payment flexibility and resilience.
Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino emphasized the strategic importance: "Bitcoin deserves a stablecoin that feels truly native, lightweight, private, and scalable. With RGB, USDT gains a powerful new pathway on Bitcoin, reinforcing our belief in Bitcoin as the foundation of a freer financial future." The launch aims to combine Bitcoin's security with Tether's stability, potentially serving billions globally as everyday digital money.