Tether is expanding the reach of USD₮ by introducing it directly onto Bitcoin’s blockchain using the RGB protocol. This is a big breakthrough in making stablecoin transactions more private, scalable, and secure, the stablecoin issuer said in a press release.
Native integration with privacy and scalability
According to the official announcement, Tether plans to launch USD₮ on RGB, a next-generation asset-issuance layer for Bitcoin that went live in its v0.11.1 release. By enabling private, scalable, and user-controlled issuance of assets, RGB opens the door for stablecoins to exist natively without changing Bitcoin’s core. This means Tether can now send USD₮ directly through Bitcoin’s secure network, making payments faster, more private, and easier for people around the world.
The mechanism is such that it anchors proofs to on-chain transactions while keeping detailed data off-chain through client-side validation. This will reduce blockchain congestion, preserve privacy, and enable seamless integration with the Lightning Network.
Unified wallet & offline use
Once live, users can store and transfer USDT alongside BTC in the same wallet interface, enjoying native support without relying on wrapped tokens or sidechains. The architecture supports private transactions that don’t expose balances on-chain, and allows instant settlement via Lightning’s transport layers. It will also allow offline transactions, enhancing usability and financial sovereignty.
This marks a huge milestone as it introduces a major stablecoin natively onto Bitcoin. This was previously limited to sidechains or wrapped tokens issued on external networks. By leveraging RGB, users gain the ability to transact USDT directly on Bitcoin’s secure infrastructure without altering its consensus rules.
“With RGB, USD₮ gains a powerful new pathway on Bitcoin, reinforcing our belief in Bitcoin as the foundation of a freer financial future,” said Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino.
The move positions Bitcoin as not just a digital store of value, but as a functional payment layer supporting private, programmable money. It could act as a game-changer for stablecoin utility and adoption.