Tether Secures Major ADGM Approval for USDT Across Nine Blockchains

Tether, the issuer of the world’s largest stablecoin, USDT, has announced two major strategic developments, solidifying both its regulatory standing in the Middle East and its commitment to technology diversification. The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) formally recognized USDT as an Accepted Fiat-Referenced Token (AFRT), a designation that opens regulated access for institutions in the financial hub.

Regulatory Milestone and Multi-Chain Expansion

This crucial regulatory approval allows firms licensed by the ADGM to offer custody, trading, and other regulated services involving USDT. This move provides legal certainty for institutional and retail investors seeking secure access to the digital dollar.

Critically, the ADGM’s recognition extends Tether’s usability to a massive selection of major blockchain networks. Building upon prior approvals for Ethereum, Solana, and Avalanche, the new framework includes nine additional networks such as Aptos, Celo, Cosmos, Polkadot, and TRON. This multi-chain capability significantly enhances USDT’s interoperability for global settlement and payments.

Tether CEO, Paolo Ardoino, commented on the importance of the regulatory step, stating: “Introducing USDT within ADGM’s regulated digital asset framework reinforces the role of stablecoins as essential components of today’s financial landscape.”

Diversification into Advanced Robotics

In a concurrent announcement, Tether Investments confirmed a strategic move into the high-tech sector with an investment in Generative Bionics, a significant spinoff from the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT).

This funding aims to accelerate the research and development of a new generation of intelligent humanoid robots, primarily intended for industrial applications. The investment underscores Tether’s broadening corporate strategy, which focuses on supporting the development of real-world infrastructure and disruptive technologies across AI, energy, and advanced robotics, moving beyond its core stablecoin business.