Kraken Enables Sub-Second USDT Transfers on Aptos Blockchain

Kraken has expanded its cryptocurrency services to support deposits and withdrawals of Tether (USDT) on the Aptos blockchain network, a move aimed at enhancing liquidity and transaction efficiency for users. The exchange announced the feature on its blog, stating that users can now transfer USDT to and from their Kraken accounts via the Aptos network. This integration aligns with Kraken's strategy to offer multi-chain support for stablecoins, leveraging Aptos' high-performance infrastructure to facilitate fast, low-cost transactions.

The Aptos blockchain, known for its parallel execution engine and modular design, processes transactions at sub-second latency with minimal fees, making it an attractive platform for USDT transfers. According to Kraken, users must ensure they use the Aptos network for deposits to avoid losing funds, as cross-chain transactions on other networks are not supported. The exchange also highlighted that trading via its app or Instant Buy feature will become available once sufficient liquidity is established. This development follows broader adoption of USDT on Aptos, with the stablecoin's supply on the network reaching $680 million as of October 2024, representing 75% of Aptos' total stablecoin market cap.

The integration of USDT on Aptos has been driven by partnerships with key players in the blockchain ecosystem. Tether, the issuer of USDT, collaborated with Aptos to launch the stablecoin natively on the network in October 2024, marking its first deployment on a Move-powered blockchain. Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, emphasized that the partnership enhances financial inclusion by providing users in emerging markets with access to low-cost, high-speed transactions. The move also aligns with regulatory developments in the United States, including the passage of the GENIUS Act in July 2025, which established a federal framework for payment stablecoins.

Aptos has emerged as a leading platform for stablecoins, surpassing $1 billion in stablecoin supply in 2025 with a 500% annual growth rate. The network now supports the "trifecta" of major stablecoins-USDT, USDC, and USDe-alongside alternative options like PYUSD0 and USDY. This diversification has fueled growth in Aptos' DeFi ecosystem, with total value locked (TVL) exceeding $1.03 billion in March 2025, a 109% increase year-over-year. Protocols such as Aries Markets and Echelon have integrated USDT and sUSDe into lending platforms, offering annualized returns of over 8% and attracting significant deposits.

The expansion of USDT on Aptos has also driven transaction volume to new heights. Stablecoin transfer volume on the network surged from $1 billion in January 2025 to $15 billion by July 2025, with USDT contributing $1 billion in native supply. The Aptos blockchain processed over 160 million transactions in a single day in May 2025, demonstrating its capacity to handle high-volume activity. This growth has positioned Aptos as the second-busiest network for native USDT transactions, with 1.1 million monthly active addresses.

Kraken's support for Aptos-native USDT is expected to benefit both retail and institutional users. For traders, the integration provides a reliable on-ramp for high-volume trading and arbitrage opportunities, particularly given Aptos' sub-cent transaction fees and rapid settlement times. For developers, the move opens new possibilities for building DeFi applications and payment solutions on a scalable, cost-effective infrastructure. The Aptos Foundation has also announced plans to launch Shelby, a decentralized storage protocol, to further enhance the network's utility for real-time data applications.

The collaboration between Kraken, Tether, and Aptos underscores the growing importance of stablecoins in the crypto ecosystem. With USDT's market cap exceeding $116 billion and Aptos ranking as the 33rd-largest cryptocurrency network by market capitalization, the integration is poised to drive broader adoption of blockchain-based financial services. As the Aptos ecosystem continues to expand, its focus on scalability, security, and compliance aligns with global efforts to modernize payment systems and promote financial inclusion.

[1] Kraken Blog (https://www.bitcoininsider.org/article/289309/usdt-deposits-and-withdrawals-now-available-aptos)

[3] Blockchain News (https://blockchain.news/flashnews/usdt-deposits-and-withdrawals-now-live-on-aptos-network-enhanced-liquidity-and-fast-crypto-transfers-for-high-volume-trading)

[4] Aptos Foundation (https://aptosfoundation.org/currents/aptos-the-chain-of-choice-for-stablecoins)

[5] CoinJournal (https://coinjournal.net/news/aptos-price-surges-as-stablecoin-supply-nears-all-time/)

[6] Aptos Foundation (https://aptosfoundation.org/currents/usdt-on-the-move-tether-aptos-integration)

[8] CoinTrust (https://www.cointrust.com/market-news/tether-expands-usdt-to-aptos-a-strategic-move-to-enhance-global-financial-access)

[9] BlockchainReporter (https://blockchainreporter.net/usdt-arrives-on-aptos-bringing-fast-low-cost-dollar-transactions-on-chain/)

[10] CoinRevolution (https://coinrevolution.com/crypto-news/aptos-blockchain-stablecoin-volume-growth-usdt-sixth-largest/)