Paolo Ardoino Drives Tether’s US-Regulated Stablecoins Strategy

Tether accelerates a regulatory strategy to normalize US-regulated stablecoins, launching USAT and expanding engagement with U.S. authorities to challenge Circle’s USDC.

Rich by Coin

2026-02-01

Paolo Ardoino, Tether’s chief technology officer, has led a coordinated push to position US-regulated stablecoins at the center of the U.S. financial system, moving beyond a publicity campaign to a structured regulatory strategy. As part of this approach, Tether launched USAT, a US-regulated stablecoin issued through Anchorage Digital Bank, designed to meet new federal rules and compete with Circle’s USDC. The company notes that USDT remains separate from USAT, with about $187 billion in circulation, while USAT is positioned to align with evolving regulatory requirements. Cantor Fitzgerald’s George Lutnik, a former CEO, is involved in policy shaping as Cantor Fitzgerald manages Tether’s reserves.

Ardoino argues that the shift includes greater regulatory engagement, with Tether now engaging with White House representatives and collaborating with key U.S. law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the Secret Service, to bolster the stability and legitimacy of its offerings. The goal is to reduce Circle’s market lead by demonstrating stronger regulatory alignment and transparency. Tether asserts it holds more than $30 billion in excess reserves beyond what is needed to redeem all outstanding tokens, with Cantor Fitzgerald overseeing the reserve management. Ardoino contends that USDT functions as a digital dollar capable of moving across borders without relying on a single traditional banking institution.

Beyond USDT and USAT, Ardoino says Tether is pursuing a broader strategy that includes assets such as Tether Gold and investments in AI technologies, aiming to diversify and provide alternative stores of value in a world of currency volatility. The firm highlights its intention to expand financial inclusion by facilitating access to dollar-denominated assets for populations in countries with weak currencies. The regulatory risk remains a factor, with the potential impact of the CLARITY Act under consideration in Congress, which could affect how stablecoins can distribute earnings to holders.

Ardoino remains optimistic that broad financial inclusion—bringing hundreds of millions of people into the dollar—can be a bipartisan objective. He signals that additional steps will be announced at industry events, including TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco, to reinforce Tether’s position in the global market and demonstrate stablecoins’ potential to power the digital economy.