Anchorage Digital and Ethena Labs Launch First Federally Regulated Stablecoin Under U.S. GENIUS Framework

Anchorage Digital and Ethena Labs have announced the launch of USDtb, a stablecoin designed to align with the U.S. federal GENIUS (General Infrastructure Network for Use of Stablecoins) framework. The partnership, unveiled via a press release, positions USDtb as the first stablecoin to meet regulatory standards set by the newly enacted GENIUS Act. Anchorage Digital’s federally chartered bank will issue the stablecoin in the U.S., leveraging its infrastructure to provide institutions with regulated digital dollar solutions. The coin, previously issued offshore, is fully backed by federally regulated reserves and adheres to real-time auditing, reserve transparency, and anti-money laundering protocols [1][2].

The initiative addresses longstanding concerns about stablecoin transparency and systemic risk, offering a blueprint for compliance in an industry often operating in regulatory gray areas. Anchorage Digital CEO Nathan McCauley emphasized that the GENIUS Act’s passage enables federally regulated institutions to participate in the stablecoin ecosystem, fostering “greater transparency and confidence.” Ethena Labs CEO Guy Young noted strong demand for USDtb, suggesting its compliance will expand adoption across platforms and products [1].

By aligning with federal guidelines, the project reflects a broader industry shift toward compliance-driven innovation. Anchorage Digital’s role as a federally chartered trust company and Ethena’s expertise in scalable financial technologies underscore their combined strengths. The stablecoin’s design eliminates ambiguity for regulators and users, potentially setting a benchmark for future regulatory frameworks. Analysts suggest this could accelerate the adoption of similar compliance models, reducing volatility risks and enhancing trust in institutional markets [3][4].

The launch coincides with legislative efforts like the Digital Assets Innovation Act, which aims to establish a federal digital currency framework. While the final form of such legislation remains pending, the GENIUS-compliant model offers an interim solution. The partnership’s proactive approach to regulatory alignment positions USDtb as a potential precursor to global stablecoin governance standards.

Sources:

[1] [Anchorage Digital Partners with Ethena Labs to Launch the First GENIUS-Compliant Federally Regulated Stablecoin] (https://financialpost.com/pmn/business-wire-news-releases-pmn/anchorage-digital-partners-with-ethena-labs-to-launch-the-first-genius-compliant-federally-regulated-stablecoin)

[2] [Anchorage Digital Partners with Ethena Labs to Launch ...] (https://www.joplinglobe.com/region/national_business/anchorage-digital-partners-with-ethena-labs-to-launch-the-first-genius-compliant-federally-regulated-stablecoin/article_1107fe24-2946-5980-bf4f-2be6f03cb31a.html)

[3] [Business Wire News Releases - PMN] (https://financialpost.com/category/pmn/business-wire-news-releases-pmn/)

[4] [Anchorage Digital Partners with Ethena Labs to Launch the First GENIUS-Compliant Federally Regulated Stablecoin] (https://financialpost.com/pmn/business-wire-news-releases-pmn/anchorage-digital-partners-with-ethena-labs-to-launch-the-first-genius-compliant-federally-regulated-stablecoin)