Tether has announced the launch of a new US-regulated, dollar-backed stablecoin with Bo Hines, a former White House crypto adviser, stepping in as chief executive officer of its newly created American unit. The new token, named USAT, will serve as a complement to Tether’s flagship product USDT, currently the largest stablecoin in circulation.
A Strategic Appointment for Expansion
Hines previously worked as the Executive Director of the White House Crypto Council under former President Donald Trump. He joined Tether earlier this year as a strategic adviser, but his role will now expand significantly as he takes leadership of the US unit. The appointment comes as the company seeks to meet growing demand for regulated dollar-backed stablecoins in the United States.
The USAT team will be headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Hines’ home state, with plans to roll out the token before the end of the year. Hines confirmed that the unit aims to establish strong foundations through transparent reserves, robust governance and leadership rooted in American financial principles.
USAT and the GENIUS Stablecoin Bill
The new stablecoin has been designed to align with the recently passed GENIUS stablecoin bill, which sets out reserve requirements and compliance standards for issuers in the US. Tether announced that USAT will be launched through Anchorage Digital, a leading crypto infrastructure firm, with Cantor Fitzgerald also playing a role in the initiative.
Tether’s Hadron platform, which focuses on real-world asset tokenisation, will provide the technological backbone for USAT. The company said this ensures both regulatory compliance and a secure framework for integrating digital assets into wider financial markets.
Tether’s Growing Influence in Global Finance
Stablecoins are now a key area of interest in both financial markets and international policy. According to RWA.XYZ, the total stablecoin market recently crossed the 270 billion dollar milestone. With USDT alone holding about 169 billion dollars in circulation, Tether has already cemented its dominance in the space.
The launch of USAT signals Tether’s intention to solidify its role within the US financial system. Paolo Ardoino, Tether’s Group CEO, emphasised that the company is already one of the largest holders of US Treasuries, ranking 18th globally. He noted that Tether earned 13 billion dollars in profits in 2024 and remains on track for a similarly positive year in 2025.
Ardoino highlighted the company’s vision for ensuring that the dollar maintains its strength in the digital age. “Tether is already one of the largest holders of US Treasuries because we believe deeply in the enduring power of the dollar. USA₮ is our commitment to ensuring that the dollar not only remains dominant in the digital age but thrives,” he said.
No Plans for Public Listing
At a press conference on Friday, Ardoino confirmed that Tether has no plans to pursue a public listing despite its rapid growth and profitability. He instead underlined the company’s focus on creating direct relationships with users and institutions rather than intermediaries.
“Exchanges are important, but our focus will be reaching people, ensuring we reduce the number of intermediaries between us and our users,” Ardoino explained. He also extended an invitation to American financial institutions to collaborate with the USAT team on expanding the stablecoin’s adoption.
Geopolitical Importance of Stablecoins
The emergence of stablecoins as a geostrategic policy issue has not gone unnoticed. In the United States, the Trump administration has been paying increasing attention to the role of dollar-backed tokens in maintaining monetary influence. Other major economies, including China, are also focusing closely on the development of digital assets and stablecoin frameworks.
Hines’ appointment is therefore being seen not just as a corporate move but also as one with broader policy significance. His political background and experience in Washington may play a role in how Tether positions itself within US regulatory and policy discussions going forward.
Looking Ahead
With Hines at the helm of the new unit, Tether is preparing for what could be a significant expansion of its influence within the American market. The launch of USAT, supported by real-world asset tokenisation and strong institutional partnerships, reflects both the growing maturity of stablecoins and their rising importance in the global economy.
As the sector passes record growth milestones, Tether’s next steps in the United States will likely be closely watched by regulators, investors and policymakers alike.
