If USDT fails to meet upcoming U.S. regulations for stablecoins, Tether is prepared to launch a new asset tailored for the American market. This was stated by Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino in an interview with Decrypt.

“We believe [USDT] is ideally suited for emerging markets, but we can create a payment-focused stablecoin that will function within the U.S.,” Ardoino said.

Currently, two competing stablecoin bills are under review in Congress — the STABLE Act and the GENIUS Act. Both propose specific requirements for foreign issuers, including Tether, which is registered in El Salvador.

Ardoino emphasized that his primary focus remains on developing markets, where USDT plays a critical role. He expressed little concern about potential U.S. regulatory changes:

“We don’t believe there’s anything particularly problematic in the stablecoin legislation.”

Additionally, he noted that USDT is likely to continue trading on the secondary market. Under the current wording of the GENIUS Act, restrictions apply only to the direct sale of tokens to U.S. citizens. Meanwhile, the STABLE Act would prohibit trading through custodial intermediaries like Coinbase two years after the law takes effect.

Earlier in March, Ardoino predicted USDT could reach up to one billion users globally.