Tether has launched its crosschain stablecoin USDT0 on Optimism’s OP Superchain, expanding the accessibility of the digital dollar to Ethereum’s layer-2 ecosystem.
The launch, announced on March 27, marks a significant step in the adoption of stablecoin within decentralized finance (DeFi) and strengthens the growth of OP Superchain as one of the most dominant infrastructures in the sector.
The implementation of USDT0 on this network aims to attract more assets, high-level applications, and partners, consolidating the role of stablecoins in the DeFi sector.
Ethereum news: what is USDT0 launched by Tether and why it is relevant for DeFi
USDT0 is a crosschain and bridged version of USDt, designed to facilitate the adoption of stablecoins on different blockchain networks.
Tether introduced this resource in January in collaboration with LayerZero, an interoperability protocol, with the aim of improving the integration of stablecoins between different blockchains.
Its first implementation took place on Ink, a layer-2 focused on DeFi developed by Kraken. A month later, Tether chose Arbitrum as the main infrastructure for USDT0, consolidating its presence in the Ethereum layer-2 landscape.
The implementation of USDT0 on Superchain reflects a broader strategy to increase the liquidity and scalability of stablecoins, making them more accessible to users operating in the DeFi ecosystem on Ethereum.
Superchain is a network of layer-2 chains based on OP Stack, designed to enhance the scalability of Ethereum. Its influence in the sector has increased rapidly.
According to Superchain data, the collective currently has 52% of total transactions on Ethereum layer-2, up from 36.6% recorded in September.
Ryan Wyatt, chief growth officer of Optimism, stated in February that Superchain could account for up to 80% of layer-2 transactions on Ethereum by the end of the year.
The total value locked (TVL) within Superchain has recently surpassed 4.2 billion dollars, marking a significant growth compared to the 4 billion in February.
The expansion of USDT0 on the network will contribute not only to the liquidity of stablecoins but will likely also attract new assets and protocols, further stimulating the adoption of Superchain.
The role of stablecoin in decentralized finance
Stablecoins have become a fundamental pillar for DeFi, facilitating fast and reliable transactions, protecting users from the typical volatility of cryptocurrencies.
As of today, the total value of stablecoins in circulation has reached nearly 228 billion dollars, with a growth of 3.3% in the last 30 days.
Ethereum remains the dominant network for stablecoins, hosting 58% of the total supply. Among these, Tether’s USDt is the most used stablecoin globally, consolidating its central role within the sector.
According to the data from RWA.xyz, there are over 155 million stablecoin holders worldwide.
This confirms how these cryptocurrencies pegged to the dollar have become indispensable tools in the blockchain landscape, ensuring stability and reliability for traders, DeFi users, and institutions.
Tether has played a pioneering role in the stablecoin market, establishing itself as one of the largest holders of United States Treasury assets.
This has allowed the company to record significantly high profits in recent years, strengthening its position as a leader in the sector.
The expansion of USDT0 on OP Superchain demonstrates Tether’s willingness to ensure greater interoperability between different blockchains, facilitating the adoption of its stablecoin in broader and more diverse ecosystems.
Regulatory Prospects for Stablecoins in the United States
Stablecoins are under increasing scrutiny by regulatory institutions in the United States. With Donald Trump’s presidency, these digital financial instruments have become a central point of American economic policies.
Recently, Bo Hines, head of the digital assets council of the Trump administration, stated at a conference in New York that a complete regulation on stablecoins could be approved within the next two months.
This could have a significant impact on the sector, influencing the adoption and regulatory framework of stablecoins like USDT0.
The implementation of USDT0 on OP Superchain represents a step forward in the evolution of decentralized finance.
Thanks to its interoperability and stability features, this stablecoin has the potential to attract more capital and stimulate the adoption of Superchain in the DeFi sector.
With Ethereum dominating the stablecoin market and Tether continuing to strengthen its position, the future of the sector will also depend on regulatory developments in the United States and the further growth of the layer-2 ecosystem.
