Tether announces plan to bring USDt to RGB, advancing native stablecoins on Bitcoin and Lightning
Tether announced today its intention to issue USD₮ on RGB Protocol on Bitcoin v0.11.1. The protocol is the next-generation layer for issuing and transacting digital assets on Bitcoin and the Lightning Network.
The RGB Protocol Association welcomes the news. In particular, it is a strong signal for builders and institutions. Private, scalable, and user-controlled asset rails are now within reach on the world’s most secure network.
RGB Protocol on Bitcoin reached mainnet readiness earlier this year with the v0.11.1 release. As a result, developers can now issue and manage assets using client-side validation, with Bitcoin as the commitment layer. In practice, this design keeps asset data off-chain. Proofs are anchored to Bitcoin transactions, minimizing chain bloat, preserving privacy, and enabling Lightning compatibility.
“Bitcoin deserves a stablecoin that feels truly native, lightweight, private, and scalable. With RGB, USD₮ gains a powerful new pathway on Bitcoin, reinforcing our belief in Bitcoin as the foundation of a freer financial future.”
— Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether
With USD₮ on RGB Protocol on Bitcoin, users and service providers will be able to:
- Hold and transfer USD₮ alongside bitcoin in the same wallet;
- Leverage private, client-validated transactions that don’t reveal balances or flows on-chain;
- Integrate with the Lightning Network to achieve instant settlement, using RGB’s transport extensions.
Why it matters
RGB Protocol on Bitcoin extends Bitcoin beyond a store of value. It enables stablecoins, tokenized assets, and programmable rights, inheriting Bitcoin’s security model while keeping users in control. Moreover, adoption by major issuers like Tether can catalyze wallet support and merchant adoption. Furthermore, this happens without new L1 opcodes or consensus changes.
For developers & integrators
- Start here: technical docs and guides at docs.rgb.info
- Run & build: reference implementations and libraries at github.com/rgb-protocol
- Ecosystem & membership: updates and membership at rgbprotocol.org/members
The Association invites wallets, exchanges, payment processors, and infrastructure providers to join active working groups. These groups focus on NIA (fungible assets) integrations, Lightning transports, and bridge connectors. Together, they expand USD₮ and other assets across Bitcoin-native rails.
About RGB Protocol Association
RGB Protocol Association is a Swiss non-profit. It supports the development, standardization, and adoption of RGB Protocol on Bitcoin. The protocol enables private and scalable digital assets for Bitcoin and Lightning. Additionally, the Association works through open collaboration with companies, researchers, and the broader free-software community.
Learn more at rgbprotocol.org.
Media & Partnerships
Resources: rgb.info | github.com/rgb-protocol
