Anchorage Digital and Ethena Labs launch first U.S. GENIUS Act-compliant stablecoin USDtb

Anchorage Digital and Ethena Labs have launched USDtb, the first U.S. stablecoin compliant with the 2025 GENIUS Act, marking a significant step toward aligning crypto with federal regulations. USDtb, backed by fully audited cash and Treasury reserves, adheres to the act’s 1:1 reserve requirements and anti-money laundering (AML)/know-your-customer (KYC) standards. The collaboration leverages Anchorage’s federal charter and Ethena’s DeFi expertise to create a regulated framework for stablecoin issuance, moving away from fragmented state-based systems [3]. The GENIUS Act, enacted on July 17, 2025, grants the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and the Federal Reserve oversight of payment stablecoins, ensuring transparency and compliance [5].

The launch positions USDtb to compete with major stablecoins like USDT and USDC. A 2023 Federal Reserve study highlighted that stablecoins could reduce cross-border transaction costs by 70%, a potential boost for USDtb’s adoption [3]. The stablecoin’s onboarding by institutional investors, including Fidelity and Franklin Templeton, underscores its appeal to traditional finance. Ethena’s token (ENA) rose 12% in 24 hours following the announcement, reflecting market confidence [3]. Analysts note that USDtb’s regulatory clarity could accelerate stablecoin adoption by financial institutions, which have historically hesitated due to compliance uncertainties [4].

Anchorage’s role as a federally chartered crypto bank provides a structural advantage, enabling real-time settlement and 24/7 availability—features absent in legacy systems. Teresa Cameron, CFO at Clear Junction, emphasized that the GENIUS Act’s framework has made stablecoins “essential infrastructure,” bridging gaps left by SWIFT and other networks [4]. Institutions like PNC Bank and Western Union have already signaled interest in stablecoin integration, with Western Union’s CEO calling them “an opportunity, not a threat” [7].

Despite these advancements, risks remain. Critics argue that stringent regulation could stifle innovation, particularly in DeFi. However, the GENIUS Act’s clear compliance model, with a 2026 deadline for full implementation, offers a predictable path for issuers. Anchorage’s insured custody solutions address liquidity risks during market stress, a critical concern for institutional stakeholders [3]. The act’s onshoring of USDtb also aligns with trends in real-world asset tokenization, as regulated stablecoins gain traction in broader financial ecosystems [9].

USDtb’s launch by Q3 2025 end signals a shift toward federal standardization, potentially reshaping the stablecoin landscape. While speculative forecasts are absent from the provided data, the tangible steps—such as Ethena’s partnership with Anchorage and the broader institutional interest—highlight the market’s readiness for regulated digital assets. As the industry transitions from experimentation to infrastructure, the focus will likely pivot from compliance to scalability and cross-border utility, mirroring strategies of firms like PNC and Western Union [10].

Source:

[1] [Anchorage Ethena Launch First U S Compliant Stablecoin GENIUS Act](https://www.ainvest.com/news/anchorage-ethena-launch-compliant-stablecoin-genius-act-2507/)

[2] [Anchorage and Ethena Bring First U.S.-Compliant Stablecoin](https://www.altcoinbuzz.io/cryptocurrency-news/anchorage-and-ethena-bring-first-u-s-compliant-stablecoin/)

[3] [Anchorage and Ethena Launch First GENIUS Compliant...](https://coinfomania.com/anchorage%E2%80%91ethena%E2%80%91genius%E2%80%91usd%E2%80%91stablecoin/)

[4] [Anchorage Digital announces stablecoin issuance platform...](https://cointelegraph.com/news/anchorage-digital-stablecoin-platform-genius-signing)

[5] [Anchorage Digital to issue first GENIUS‑compliant...](https://www.rootdata.com/news/141337)

[6] [Ethena Labs, Anchorage Digital Unveil GENIUS Act-...](https://phemex.com/news/article/ethena-labs-and-anchorage-digital-launch-genius-actcompliant-usdtb-stablecoin_13655)

[7] [Ethena Labs Taps Anchorage Digital to Bring the First...](https://www.nftgators.com/ethena-labs-taps-anchorage-digital-to-bring-the-first-genius-act-compliant-stablecoin-to-the-us/)

[8] [Anchorage Digital and Ethena Labs team up to launch first...](https://cryptobriefing.com/genius-compliant-stablecoin-usdtb-launch/)

[9] [Anchorage Digital and Ethena Labs Launch First GENIUS...](https://www.ainvest.com/news/anchorage-digital-ethena-labs-launch-genius-act-compliant-stablecoin-usdtb-2507/)

[10] [Anchorage Digital Partners with Ethena Labs to Launch...](https://www.itemonline.com/anchorage-digital-partners-with-ethena-labs-to-launch-the-first-genius-compliant-federally-regulated-stablecoin/article_462782f0-65fd-5d4e-b03e-507977ba6bdf.html)