Tether’s latest move puts USDT directly on Bitcoin’s infrastructure, allowing stablecoin transactions to settle faster and more efficiently via the Lightning Network.
Tether (USDT), the world’s largest stablecoin issuer, has announced its integration with Bitcoin’s (BTC) ecosystem, marking a new step in the stablecoin’s expansion beyond traditional blockchain networks.
Revealed on Jan. 30 at the Plan B conference in El Salvador, the move will bring USDT to both Bitcoin’s base layer and its high-speed Lightning Network, unlocking new possibilities for remittances, payments, and everyday transactions.
Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino described the initiative as a push toward real-world financial applications, stating that the goal is to offer “practical solutions for remittances, payments, and other financial applications that demand both speed and reliability.”
Meanwhile, Elizabeth Stark, CEO of Lightning Labs, stressed the broader impact, saying, “Millions of people will now be able to use the most open, secure blockchain to send dollars globally. It all comes back to Bitcoin.”
The key to making this possible is Taproot Assets, a protocol developed by Lightning Labs that enables asset issuances on Bitcoin’s base layer while allowing transactions to be settled on the Lightning Network.
Released in 2023, Taproot Assets effectively bridges stablecoins and other digital assets into Bitcoin’s infrastructure, making micropayments more efficient and reducing transaction costs.
Once fully integrated, USDT will function seamlessly across Bitcoin’s main chain and its Lightning-powered layer 2 network, combining Bitcoin’s security with Lightning’s near-instant transaction speeds.
Stablecoins have grown into a $220 billion asset class, with USDT dominating the sector. As of Jan. 30, USDT has a market capitalization of $139.4 billion, nearly three times that of its closest competitor, Circle’s USD Coin (USDC), which stands at $53.1 billion.
In 2024 alone, USDT processed over $10 trillion in on-chain volume, rapidly approaching Visa’s annual payment volume of $16 trillion.
Tether’s latest announcement follows its recent relocation to El Salvador, the only country where Bitcoin holds legal tender status.
However, in a parallel development, El Salvador’s Legislative Assembly amended its Bitcoin Law on Jan. 30, reversing the mandatory acceptance of Bitcoin and making it optional for merchants. The change aligns with International Monetary Fund conditions for a $1.4 billion loan to support the country’s economy.
