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Vladimir Tarantaev, CFA, PMP
Vladimir Tarantaev, a CFA expert in fixed income, has a strong track record in credit analysis at CIS banks and a diverse background in math-physics and astronomy.
Vladimir Tarantaev
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24.09.2025
Could USA₮ Reshape the Future of Digital Bonds?
Could USA₮ Reshape the Future of Digital Bonds?
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For years, Tether has dominated liquidity but lagged in compliance. Now, with the introduction of USA₮, Tether is directly challenging USDC’s claim to regulatory credibility. This move may unlock new opportunities for bond investors looking to access stable, regulated digital assets. Could USA₮ truly bridge the gap between crypto liquidity and financial regulation?

On September 12, 2025, Tether announced the launch of USA₮, a U.S.-regulated, dollar-backed stablecoin designed to comply with the recently enacted GENIUS Act. This move positions Tether to compete with Circle's USDC, which has benefited from early regulatory compliance. USA₮ reserves will be managed by Cantor Fitzgerald, with Anchorage Digital acting as its legal issuer. The USA₮ launch is expected to pave a way for the issuance of stablecoin-nominated bonds in the U.S. market. 

Tether (USDT) remains the dominant player in the global stablecoin market, with a market capitalization of roughly $170 billion and a share fluctuating between 55-65% of the total fiat-backed stablecoin supply. Despite some recent erosion of its dominance - its market share slipped below 60% for the first time since early 2023 - Tether still far outpaces rivals like Circle’s USDC.

USDC has pursued an explicit, jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction licensing strategy. Circle, the issuer of USDC (and EURC), has secured regulatory approval under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework in the European Union, and has also sought formal approvals in other markets (e.g. Dubai’s DIFC). That gives USDC a clear advantage where formal legal status matters to institutions and regulated intermediaries.

By contrast, USDT has historically been an offshore, market-driven workhorse: huge liquidity and global footprint, but no formal licensing in key markets. The introduction of USA₮ signifies a strategic shift for Tether. By launching a U.S.-compliant stablecoin, Tether aims to align with U.S. federal regulatory standards and expand its presence in the most important financial market.

This move may have a great impact on the stablecoin-denominated bond market. Up to now, issuers seeking a wide institutional investor base or placement through banks and pension funds tend to prefer USDC (or other locally-licensed stablecoins). Conversely, issuers focused on rapid secondary-market liquidity, decentralized finance distribution, or markets where trading venues and OTC desks predominately use USDT, tend to choose USDT-denominated bonds.

But now, USA₮, if implemented and supervised as stated, has the potential to unlock institutional stablecoin bond issuance in the U.S. and disrupt the comfortable lead of Circle’s USDC in the regulated stablecoin race.

Author
Vladimir Tarantaev, CFA, PMP
Vladimir Tarantaev, a CFA expert in fixed income, has a strong track record in credit analysis at CIS banks and a diverse background in math-physics and astronomy.
Vladimir Tarantaev
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