Tether Brings USAT Stablecoin to Celo Network

Users on Celo can now pay network gas fees using USAT, leveraging the blockchain’s CIP-64 fee abstraction. This functionality removes the requirement for holding a separate native token to conduct transactions. By providing native issuance, the move eliminates reliance on third-party bridges, which often carry technical risks and custody vulnerabilities. Tether US CEO Bo Hines noted that the integration targets environments where digital dollars already see significant daily use.

Since its January launch, USAT has reached a market capitalization of approximately $185 million. While this remains a fraction of the flagship USDT supply, the token is specifically structured to meet the requirements of the US GENIUS Act, backed by cash and US Treasury securities. Anchorage Digital Bank, a federally chartered institution, serves as the issuer. The expansion into Celo follows Tether’s recent $7 million investment in Pact Labs, a strategic move aimed at integrating USAT into the $11 trillion US payroll market. Celo, which transitioned to an Ethereum Layer 2 on the OP Stack in 2025, currently hosts 28% of all cross-chain USDT transfers, cementing its role as a primary distribution hub for Tether’s ecosystem.