- Georgia and Tether plan a GEL₮ stablecoin launch under a digital asset framework.
- GEL₮ aims to support faster payments, lower transfer costs and cross-border settlements.
- Georgia aligned its stablecoin rules with emerging U.S. crypto regulations, including the GENIUS Act.
The Government of Georgia and Tether announced plans to introduce GEL₮, a stablecoin tied to the Georgian Lari, in a move that places the country among the early jurisdictions working to integrate national currencies into blockchain-based payment infrastructure.
The project will operate under a specialized regulatory framework developed by Georgian authorities and is expected to focus on digital payments, cross-border transactions, and settlement efficiency.
The announcement arrives as governments and financial institutions continue to examine how stablecoins are altering the flow of money across global markets. According to the companies involved, stablecoins are currently used for remittances, international transfers, and payment settlement because they enable funds to move almost instantly, unlike traditional banking systems, which can take several days to process transactions.
Tether stated that its USD₮ stablecoin currently has a market capitalization approaching $190 billion and regularly records daily trading volumes exceeding those of traditional payment networks such as Visa and Mastercard.
Georgia Expands Digital Asset Framework
GEL₮ is intended to function as a digital representation of the Georgian Lari. Authorities said the stablecoin is expected to support lower transaction costs, programmable payments, faster settlement, and improved movement of value across digital financial systems.
The launch follows several years of legislative and regulatory work by the Government of Georgia and the National Bank of Georgia to establish a structured legal framework for digital assets. Officials said the framework includes provisions tied to reserve management, redemption standards, anti-money laundering compliance, and issuer oversight.
The regulatory structure was also designed with compatibility in mind for emerging U.S. stablecoin legislation, including the GENIUS Act. Georgian authorities said the approach could position the country among the first jurisdictions seeking interoperability with evolving U.S. digital asset regulations.
Officials Outline Additional Financial Goals
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said the partnership with Tether is part of Georgia’s broader effort to build a digitally connected financial environment. Paolo Ardoino said stablecoins are increasingly becoming part of the infrastructure layer for global finance and noted that regulatory clarity plays a central role in adoption and innovation.
In addition, the President of the National Bank of Georgia, Natia Turnava, said the collaboration supports the country’s strategy to modernize its financial infrastructure while aligning with international standards.
Lawmakers also pointed to Georgia’s existing digital asset payment systems, including mechanisms that allow taxes to be paid through instant conversion of digital assets into local currency. Additional details surrounding GEL₮’s rollout and regulatory implementation are expected to be released later.
Related: Tether Files Seven Trademarks in South Korea as Stablecoin Rules Take Shape
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