Tether CEO Commits to U.S. Entry Under GENIUS Act While Circle Stays Ahead

Following President Trump’s signing of the GENIUS Act, Tether’s CEO Paolo Ardoino announced outside the White House that the company will take steps to comply and eventually offer USDT in the U.S. He described plans to pursue “foreign issuer” registration under the law, which could take up to three years, and launch a separate U.S.-focused stablecoin optimized for domestic institutional markets.

Ardoino confirmed that Tether will bring its operations onshore by implementing a stronger audit system, partnering with a Big Four auditor, and restructuring reserves to meet regulatory standards. He noted that despite previous profitability of over $13 billion, the firm is ready to make necessary changes for U.S. market access.

Circle’s CEO, Jeremy Allaire, said GENIUS simply formalizes the regulatory path his company has already followed. USDC has been fully backed by liquid assets like U.S. Treasuries, subjected to annual audits, and operated transparently—making it compliant by design.

The GENIUS Act mandates that U.S.-linked stablecoin issuers maintain full reserves, conduct yearly audits, and ensure held assets are highly liquid. Industry observers note that Tether’s historical use of assets such as bitcoin and gold could complicate its compliance journey. Circle, by contrast, benefits from its existing alignment with these requirements and is poised to capitalize on regulatory clarity.