Published: January 28, 2026
Tether has officially launched USAT, a fully regulated U.S.-focused stablecoin designed to meet the strict requirements of the GENIUS Act (passed July 2025). Issued through Anchorage Digital as custodian and backed 1:1 by U.S. dollar cash and short-term Treasuries managed by Cantor Fitzgerald, USAT aims to deliver dollar stability, instant blockchain settlements, and institutional-grade transparency specifically for American users and businesses. Trading went live on HTX (formerly Huobi) on January 28, 2026, with spot and margin pairs (USAT/USDT, USAT/USD) now active. Unlike Tether’s global flagship USDT, USAT prohibits yield features and emphasizes daily reserve proofs and monthly audits to satisfy U.S. regulatory standards. This guide covers everything you need to know about USAT: its core features, differences from USDT and USDC, reserve structure, HTX trading details, use cases, risks, and why it represents Tether’s strategic return to the regulated U.S. stablecoin market in 2026.
USAT vs USDT vs USDC – Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | USAT (Tether) | USDT (Tether) | USDC (Circle) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Target | U.S. users & institutions | Global | Global (strong U.S. focus) |
| Regulatory Framework | GENIUS Act compliant via Anchorage | Offshore structure, quarterly attestations | U.S. state licenses + full audits |
| Issuer / Custodian | Tether / Anchorage Digital | Tether Group | Circle / BlackRock-managed |
| Reserve Composition | 100% USD cash + U.S. Treasuries (Cantor) | Cash, Treasuries, commercial paper, others | 100% cash & short-term Treasuries |
| Yield / Interest | No yield (GENIUS Act restriction) | No yield | No yield |
| Transparency | Daily reserve proofs + monthly audits | Quarterly attestations | Monthly full audits |
| Settlement Speed | Seconds (multi-chain) | Seconds–minutes (chain-dependent) | Seconds–minutes (chain-dependent) |
| HTX Trading Status | Live Jan 28, 2026 (spot + margin) | Long-established pairs | Long-established pairs |
Why Tether Launched USAT – GENIUS Act Compliance & U.S. Market Return
The GENIUS Act (passed July 2025) established strict rules for U.S.-targeted stablecoins, including:
- 100% liquid reserves (cash + short-term Treasuries)
- Use of licensed U.S. custodians (Anchorage Digital for USAT)
- Prohibition of yield-bearing features for retail users
- Daily reserve proofs and monthly independent audits
Tether created USAT to regain share in the regulated U.S. market, where Circle’s USDC has dominated due to its banking licenses and audit transparency. CEO Paolo Ardoino stated: “USAT is Tether’s compliant bridge for American users — combining instant blockchain payments with full adherence to U.S. standards and daily transparency.” The launch coincides with rising U.S. regulatory clarity and institutional demand for compliant dollar on-chain assets.
Core Features & Technical Details of USAT
- 1:1 USD Peg — backed by cash & U.S. Treasuries held by Cantor Fitzgerald
- GENIUS Act Compliance — issued via Anchorage Digital (federally chartered crypto bank)
- Instant Settlements — seconds on Ethereum, Solana, Tron, Polygon, Arbitrum, Optimism, and more
- Daily Reserve Transparency — public proofs updated every 24 hours + monthly audits
- No Yield — aligns with GENIUS Act consumer protection rules
- U.S.-Focused KYC/AML — tailored onboarding via select partners
How to Buy & Trade USAT on HTX (Step-by-Step)
- Register or log in to your HTX account (complete KYC if required)
- Deposit USDT, USD, or other supported assets
- Navigate to spot trading → search USAT/USDT or USAT/USD pair
- Place market or limit order to buy USAT
- Advanced: Use margin trading (up to 10x leverage) on USAT pairs for directional plays
HTX enabled USAT deposits and trading on January 28, 2026 (GMT+8), making it one of the first major exchanges to support the new stablecoin.
USAT Use Cases & Target Audience
- Remittances & Payroll — instant, low-cost dollar transfers for freelancers & cross-border workers
- Institutional Treasury — compliant on-chain dollar holdings for U.S. funds & corporations
- DeFi Collateral — where GENIUS-compliant assets are preferred or required
- Trading Pairs — base asset for regulated stablecoin trading pairs
Risks & Considerations for USAT in 2026
- Liquidity Risk: Early-stage launch → lower depth than USDT/USDC on many pairs
- Regulatory Risk: GENIUS Act enforcement still evolving; potential future amendments
- Competition: USDC, PYUSD, and bank-issued stablecoins may fragment U.S. market share
- No Yield: Sacrifices interest income for compliance — may deter yield-seeking users
Conclusion
Tether’s launch of USAT marks a strategic return to the regulated U.S. stablecoin market, offering a GENIUS Act-compliant, 1:1 USD-backed asset issued through Anchorage Digital with full Treasury backing via Cantor Fitzgerald and daily transparency. Designed specifically for American users and institutions, USAT prioritizes compliance, instant settlements, and regulatory clarity over yield — positioning it as a strong alternative to USDC in the evolving 2026 stablecoin landscape. HTX’s rapid listing (spot + margin trading live January 28, 2026) provides early access with competitive liquidity. Traders can monitor adoption metrics, reserve attestations, and chain integrations to assess USAT’s growth trajectory. Tapbit remains a powerful venue for related trading: 0% maker fees on USDT/USD pairs, deep liquidity, up to 125x leverage on perpetuals, and fast fiat ramps. As U.S. stablecoin regulation matures, USAT is well-placed to capture institutional and compliant retail demand.
Trade USDT, USDC & emerging stablecoins on Tapbit:
- Sign Up on Tapbit (0% maker fees)
- Login & Deposit
- Live USDT/USDC & Major Stablecoin Pairs
Disclaimer: Stablecoins and cryptocurrency markets carry significant risk. USAT’s peg, reserves, and regulatory status are subject to ongoing audits and potential changes. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, financial, or legal advice. Always conduct your own research (DYOR) and never invest more than you can afford to lose completely.
