Anchorage Digital and Ethena Unveil First U.S. GENIUS-Act Compliant Stablecoin USDtb

Anchorage Digital, the first federally chartered crypto bank in the U.S., has partnered with Ethena Labs to launch USDtb, the first stablecoin compliant with the GENIUS Act—a landmark U.S. law enacted in July to establish regulatory clarity for stablecoin issuance. The collaboration marks a significant milestone in the evolution of institutional-grade digital assets, offering a secure, transparent pathway for regulated stablecoin adoption within the U.S. financial system. USDtb, previously issued offshore, is now being launched domestically via Anchorage’s stablecoin issuance platform, positioning it as a regulatory-grade digital dollar tailored for institutional investors [1].

The GENIUS Act, which stands for Guaranteed Electronic Notes Issued Under Supervision, mandates that stablecoin issuers maintain 1:1 fiat reserves, undergo federal oversight, and adhere to operational transparency. This framework has long been sought by financial institutions, which previously avoided direct engagement with stablecoins due to regulatory ambiguity. By leveraging Anchorage’s federally regulated infrastructure and Ethena’s expertise in synthetic dollar mechanics, USDtb now provides a solution that aligns with federal standards, enabling real-time payments and settlements while ensuring 100% reserve backing and rigorous financial reporting [1].

Ethena Labs, known for its third-largest dollar-pegged crypto asset (USDe) with over $6 billion in total value locked (TVL), brings institutional credibility to the partnership. Backed by major firms such as Fidelity and Franklin Templeton, Ethena’s entry into the U.S. market under the GENIUS framework is expected to reshape the stablecoin landscape. Guy Young, CEO of Ethena Labs, emphasized the initiative’s potential to expand across platforms, leveraging speed, flexibility, and institutional trust. “Partnering with Anchorage reinforces our commitment to institutional-grade standards,” he stated [1].

Anchorage Digital’s role as a federally chartered entity is pivotal in this transition. By becoming the first U.S. bank to issue a GENIUS-compliant stablecoin, the firm is addressing growing demand for programmable, transparent digital dollar infrastructure. Nathan McCauley, co-founder and CEO of Anchorage, highlighted that the GENIUS Act’s clarity allows institutions to participate in the stablecoin ecosystem without regulatory risk. The move reflects a broader institutional shift toward adopting stablecoins that meet federal compliance requirements, as existing tokens like USDT and USDC operate under offshore or state-level regimes, limiting their appeal to U.S. banks and registered investment advisers [1].

The launch of USDtb also underscores the GENIUS Act’s role in unlocking new financial innovation. By legally recognizing stablecoins under federal law, the act enables banks, brokers, and payment companies to offer services tied to GENIUS-compliant tokens. This paves the way for real-time settlement systems, programmable finance, and interoperable decentralized capital markets. Analysts note that USDtb’s combination of speed, programmability, and regulatory oversight could make it a preferred option for risk-averse intermediaries, potentially accelerating its adoption in institutional markets [1].

The partnership between Anchorage Digital and Ethena Labs signals a maturing crypto ecosystem where regulatory alignment and institutional trust drive growth. As the U.S. financial sector increasingly demands secure digital dollar rails, USDtb’s compliance with federal standards positions it to dominate the next wave of stablecoin innovation.

Source: [1] [Anchorage Digital Joins Forces with Ethena to Unveil First GENIUS-Compliant USDtb in the U.S.] [https://www.cryptoninjas.net/news/anchorage-digital-joins-forces-with-ethena-to-unveil-first-genius-compliant-usdtb-in-the-u-s/]