San Salvador, El Salvador – 30th January 2025 – Tether, the largest company in the digital assets industry, announced the integration of USDt into Bitcoin’s ecosystem, including both its base layer and the Lightning Network. Supported by a new Taproot-powered protocol, Taproot Assets, and developed by Lightning Labs, this integration combines Bitcoin’s unmatched decentralization and security with the speed and scalability of the Lightning Network, redefining how stablecoins can function within the Bitcoin ecosystem. 

Once fully integrated, USDt will operate seamlessly on Bitcoin’s base layer and its layer 2 Lightning Network. This will enable high-speed, low-cost transactions while combining Bitcoin’s robust security and scalability. With USDt— the world’s largest stablecoin, serving over 350 million users—developers and users will enjoy Bitcoin’s unparalleled reliability alongside the efficiency and versatility of Lightning-enabled payments.

With Bitcoin in high demand among both institutions and retail traders, this integration positions USDt as an essential component of Bitcoin-based financial systems. Taproot Assets enhances Bitcoin’s functionality by enabling support for tokenized assets like USDt while maintaining the blockchain’s decentralized nature. This integration delivers a scalable, seamless payment solution, powering the AI economy and unlocking new use cases, including microtransactions, remittances, and efficient cross-border settlements.

“Tether is committed to driving innovation in the Bitcoin ecosystem,” said Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether. “By enabling USDt on the Lightning Network, we are not only reinforcing Bitcoin’s foundational principles of decentralization and security but also creating practical solutions for remittances, payments, and other financial applications that demand both speed and reliability.”

Elizabeth Stark, CEO of Lightning Labs, stated “Today marks a new era for stablecoins. Bringing USDt to Bitcoin combines the security and decentralization of Bitcoin with the speed and scalability of Lightning. Millions of people will now be able to use the most open, secure blockchain to send dollars globally. It all comes back to Bitcoin.”

Tether and Lightning Labs will continue to collaborate to enhance the ecosystem to ensure seamless adoption and robust support for developers and users. As USDt becomes operational on the Lightning Network, this integration is expected to open up new opportunities for Bitcoin’s broader adoption in everyday financial systems.

The announcement was made today by Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, and Elizabeth Stark, CEO of Lightning Labs, during their fireside chat at the inaugural Plan ₿ Forum in El Salvador.