USDT is returning to the Bitcoin network, as UTEXO prepares to natively issue Bitcoin-based USDT via the RGB protocol.

Tether is preparing to issue USDT natively on the Bitcoin network based on the RGB v0.11.1 protocol, with UTEXO responsible for commercial issuance and distribution. This marks USDT’s return to the Bitcoin mainchain years after its first launch on Bitcoin via the Omni protocol in 2014. Viktor Ihnatiuk, co-founder of UTEXO, stated that the company has secured Tether’s support to advance the launch of Bitcoin-native USDT. The RGB protocol adopts client-side validation and integrates with the Lightning Network, enabling USDT to achieve instant, low-cost, private transactions while inheriting Bitcoin’s UTXO security model. Users will be able to hold USDT directly via native Bitcoin addresses and send/receive it through RGB-enabled Lightning Network wallets, without relying on other public chains or intermediary service providers. Compared to current USDT’s primary circulation on account-model networks like TRON and Ethereum, RGB leverages the UTXO model to natively support one-time addresses and combines with the Lightning Network for off-chain payments, effectively enhancing transaction privacy. Additionally, UTEXO has deep integration with Tether to reduce intermediary fees and data collection, and users can also convert USDT across different public chains at low cost via its already launched cross-chain bridge.