Tether’s USDT gains multi-chain AFRT status in Abu Dhabi’s ADGM

Abu Dhabi’s ADGM designates Tether’s USDT as an Accepted Fiat-Referenced Token across Aptos, Celo, Cosmos, Kaia, Near, Polkadot, Tezos, TON and TRON, expanding prior approvals.
Summary

• ADGM’s FSRA now recognizes USDT as an Accepted Fiat-Referenced Token for regulated institutions across Aptos, Celo, Cosmos, Kaia, Near, Polkadot, Tezos, TON and TRON.
• The move builds on earlier recognition of USDT on Ethereum, Solana and Avalanche, enabling cross-border payments, custody and settlement in a supervised framework.
• Tether says the UAE’s digital asset rules and ADGM partnership advance financial inclusion while positioning USDT as a core settlement rail in the region.

Tether’s USDT stablecoin has received regulatory recognition in Abu Dhabi’s international financial center, allowing licensed institutions to offer regulated services using the digital asset, the company announced.

Tether making inroads in Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) officially recognized USDT as an Accepted Fiat-Referenced Token (AFRT), according to Tether’s statement. The designation permits licensed entities under the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM to conduct regulated activities using USDT across multiple blockchain networks, including Aptos, Celo, Cosmos, Kaia, Near, Polkadot, Tezos, TON, and TRON.

“The UAE continues to set the global standard for digital asset regulation, and Tether is proud to contribute to this leadership,” Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, stated. “This milestone highlights Tether’s dedication to advancing financial inclusion and innovation on a global scale.”

ADGM previously recognized USDT as an accepted virtual asset on Ethereum, Solana, and Avalanche. The new designation expands that framework, potentially enabling increased use for cross-border payments, institutional custody, and settlement services, according to the announcement.

The multi-chain recognition enhances USDT’s interoperability within the global financial system, positioning the stablecoin as a settlement asset for trading and decentralized applications while adhering to AFRT standards and FSRA safeguards, Tether stated.

“Tether’s ongoing collaboration in ADGM aligns with the UAE’s broader strategy to integrate blockchain technology into its financial system while maintaining robust oversight and investor protection,” the company’s announcement stated. “The inclusion of USDT within this framework enhances liquidity, interoperability, and the diversity of blockchain infrastructure available to users and institutions operating in the region.”

USDT is described as the world’s most widely circulated stablecoin. The regulatory approval represents a milestone as stablecoins gain wider acceptance in regulated financial markets.