Tether, the world's largest stablecoin issuer, announced on August 28th that it will launch its USD₮ (USDT) stablecoin directly on the Bitcoin network. This move makes USDT the first major stablecoin to exist natively on Bitcoin.
First Native Stablecoin on Bitcoin
Tether's chosen technology for integration is the RGB protocol, which launched on the mainnet this month with version 0.11.1. RGB is built on Bitcoin's Taproot framework and enables the private, scalable, and user-controlled issuance of digital assets. This will enable USDT transactions to be processed more lightweight, faster, and with greater privacy on the Bitcoin network.
The company's CEO, Paolo Ardoino, stated, "Bitcoin deserves a lightweight, private, and scalable stablecoin that feels truly native." According to Ardoino, this integration will both strengthen Bitcoin's use as a payment network and expand USDT's reach. Both Bitcoin and USDT in the Same Wallet
Thanks to RGB integration, users will be able to store and transfer Bitcoin and USDT in the same wallet. This will make stablecoin transactions more convenient and help Bitcoin transcend its role as a mere "store of value." Furthermore, the offline transactions supported by the protocol will provide flexibility and resilience across different payment environments.
This development could pave the way for Bitcoin to be used more effectively not only for investment purposes but also as a means of daily payment.
USDT's Huge Market Share
Tether is currently the market's most dominant stablecoin, with a USDT supply of over $167 billion and a daily trading volume of approximately $118 billion. Used across a wide range of platforms, from centralized exchanges and DeFi platforms to cross-border payment systems and OTC desks, USDT stands out as the crypto market's primary liquidity tool.
The migration of USDT to the Bitcoin network is quite exciting, as it represents the convergence of the market's most secure and decentralized blockchain with the most liquid stablecoin. This alliance could create new opportunities, particularly for institutional investors, payment providers and global financial actors.
