Tether Launches Cross-Chain USDT00 Stablecoin on Optimism and Unichain, Expanding Its Reach

Tether has launched its cross-chain dollar stablecoin, USDT0, natively on both Optimism and Unichain, expanding its reach.

Tether, the renowned issuer of the stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar, has announced the launch of its cross-chain dollar stablecoin, USDT0, on Optimism and Unichain. This move expands the reach of the stablecoin, which is already a major player in the crypto market.

As the largest stable asset in the world, with a circulation exceeding $140 billion, USD₮ is now extending its presence with the introduction of USDT0, which provides coverage of over 96% of its total value across seven major chains: Optimism, Unichain, Ink, Ethereum, TON, Tron, and Berachain.

At the same time, USDT0 has launched on Unichain, a Layer 2 network developed by Uniswap Labs using the OP Stack. Optimism’s well-established status as a leader among Layer 2 solutions, combined with Unichain’s on-demand focus on DeFi innovation, align Tether’s expansion objectives with the high-growth Superchain landscape.

Bringing DeFi to the Next Level with Smooth Liquidity and Efficiency

The integration of native USDT0 will bring huge benefits to users and developers on both Optimism and Unichain. Key benefits include:

The introduction of USDT0 enhances liquidity within these platforms, facilitating the seamless movement of a significant portion of the $135 billion USD₮ supply across OP-supported chains.

Standardizing Superchain Stablecoin Access

In order to make all USDT0 deployments on the Superchain compatible long term and easy to cope with for developers, all USDT0 deployments are based on the ERC-7802 standard and also LayerZero compatible. Adherence enables a native, Superchain-compatible interface to USDT0 for bona fide intra-ecosystem intent without compromising on currency interoperability with the wider USDT0 network. These standards help mitigate the fragmentation and compatibility headaches that can limit ecosystem development and developer uptake.

One of the first to utilize this standardized system is Kraken’s Ink chain, which now supports USDT0 in a milestone toward unified stablecoin liquidity within Superchain. As more projects adopt this unified standard, developers will have a smoother experience integrating stablecoins into their applications, fostering innovation and reducing compatibility challenges. By complying with ERC-7802, USDT0 will also be future-proofed for any advancements to the validation and execution layers to come on Optimism, further solidifying USDT0 as the default stablecoin liquidity layer across all Optimism networks.

Stargate Bridging and Expanding Access

USDT0 liquidity will be natively supported on OP Mainnet, Unichain, and Ink as well as across the greater Superchain ecosystem through Stargate Finance. Stargate USDT0 (Bridged) allows protocols access to stables liquidity with much of the performance benefits available right now without an immediate need for a native deployment. This progressive strategy enables emerging ecosystems to benefit from USDT0’s extensive liquidity network from the outset, promoting growth without the initial burden of complete native integration.

Such an approach is particularly advantageous for emerging ecosystems within the Superchain that need access to deep liquidity now. It offers them the flexibility to build with bridged USDT0 initially and seamlessly transition to a native deployment when they mature, without needing to change contract addresses. Security is enhanced because Stargate (Bridged) USDT0 maintains a direct relationship with native USDT0 on OP Mainnet. USDT0 is becoming the Optimism stablecoin standard, enabling seamless liquidity and advancing the Superchain vision of unified Ethereum Layer 2s.