Tether is preparing to launch its USDT stablecoin natively on the Bitcoin blockchain through the RGB protocol version v0.11.1, marking a significant milestone in the stablecoin’s evolution and bringing it back to the network where it was originally introduced in 2014 via the Omni-Mastercoin Layer. The deployment will be led by software company UTEXO, with the launch expected within weeks and potentially taking place later this month, following the recent mainnet release of RGB v0.11.1.
The development follows years of work on RGB, a Bitcoin-native smart contract and asset protocol that combines client-side validation with the Lightning Network to enable faster and more private transactions while anchoring security to Bitcoin’s UTXO model. Tether said users will be able to hold and transfer USDT alongside Bitcoin using native Bitcoin addresses and compatible Lightning-enabled wallets.
USDT Returns to Bitcoin: RGB and UTEXO Enable Private Lightning Settlements https://t.co/USpYWbcdpL via @bitcoinmagazine @utexocom
— JuanGalt.com (@JuanSGalt) July 6, 2026
Juan Galt, Business Reporter at Bitcoin Magazine, shared the report titled:
“USDT Returns to Bitcoin: RGB and UTEXO Enable Private Lightning Settlements”.
The report outlines Tether’s plan to bring USDT back to Bitcoin using the RGB protocol and Lightning Network through UTEXO’s infrastructure.
Viktor Ihnatiuk, co-founder of UTEXO, later shared the report and said he had sat down with Juan Galt to discuss the impact that Bitcoin-native USDT could have on stablecoin payments. The discussion comes as UTEXO and Tether prepare for the commercial rollout of USDT on Bitcoin, with the launch expected in the coming weeks.
UTEXO Leads Commercial Rollout
UTEXO will serve as the issuer and distributor of Bitcoin-native USDT in partnership with Tether. Co-founder Viktor Ihnatiuk said the launch represents more than eight years of work to bring USDT back to Bitcoin.
The company has built the infrastructure needed for deployment, including APIs, SDKs, UI components, and a mint bridge for cross-chain USDT transfers. The RGB protocol was developed by Bitfinex Research and Development Strategist Federico Tenga.
Ihnatiuk said the goal is to enable instant, private, and predictable USDT payments on Bitcoin through the Lightning Network.
Return to Bitcoin After Years on Other Networks
USDT first launched on Bitcoin’s Omni Layer in 2014 before expanding to networks such as Ethereum and Tron. With RGB v0.11.1 now live, Tether plans to bring USDT back to Bitcoin, enabling transfers over both the Bitcoin blockchain and the Lightning Network.
The RGB protocol uses Bitcoin’s UTXO model to improve privacy by reducing address reuse while supporting faster Lightning-based settlements. Tether said the rollout will allow users to manage Bitcoin and USDT in the same wallet, with exchange and wallet integrations expected in the coming weeks. On June 2026, Tether partnered with Dubai’s DMCC to advance tokenization and blockchain infrastructure. Recently, in July 2026, Revolut announced plans to delist USDT in the EEA to comply with MiCA rules.
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