Key Points
- Tether announces GELT, a stablecoin pegged to the Georgian lari with official government backing.
- GELT will operate as a blockchain-based digital version of Georgia’s national currency.
- Georgia developed stablecoin regulations compatible with emerging U.S. legislation, including the GENIUS Act.
- Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze publicly endorsed the Tether collaboration.
- Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino highlighted the growing role of stablecoins in worldwide financial systems.
Tether has revealed its intention to introduce GELT, a stablecoin backed by the Georgian lari and supported by government authorities. The digital asset firm stated that GELT will serve as a blockchain-based equivalent of Georgia’s official currency. Tether indicated the project operates within Georgia’s recently established digital asset regulatory structure.
According to Tether’s announcement, GELT will facilitate reduced transaction fees and accelerated payment settlements. The organization emphasized that the token will empower programmable financial applications throughout Georgia and neighboring regions.
The disclosure came through a collaborative statement with Georgian government representatives released Monday. Tether characterized GELT as a “digital representation” of Georgia’s national currency.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration in the official communication. “Together with visionary partners like Tether, Georgia is laying the foundations for a more connected, transparent, and digitally empowered financial world,” he stated.
Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino emphasized the expanding integration of stablecoins into worldwide financial systems. He noted that Georgia’s regulatory transparency establishes the groundwork for technological advancement and widespread acceptance.
Tether Broadens Digital Currency Portfolio Through GELT Launch
Tether positioned the GELT initiative as among the pioneering efforts to digitize a sovereign currency via blockchain technology. The company explained that Georgia crafted specialized regulations specifically for stablecoin creation.
Authorities indicated the regulatory structure seeks alignment with global standards governing reserves and regulatory compliance. They emphasized that the legislation provides issuer oversight and legal certainty for digital asset enterprises.
Tether highlighted that Georgia’s regulatory approach pursues compatibility with developing U.S. stablecoin legislation. The firm cited the GENIUS Act as a reference point for cross-system compatibility. The company indicated GELT will facilitate international trade and digital payment solutions. Plans include expanding access to programmable financial infrastructure.
Georgia Synchronizes Digital Asset Legislation With U.S. Stablecoin Standards
The National Bank of Georgia contributed to developing the nation’s digital asset regulations. Legislative bodies devoted multiple years to establishing cryptocurrency and stablecoin oversight protocols. Tether confirmed additional details regarding GELT’s operational structure will be announced subsequently. The firm has yet to reveal a specific launch timeline or reserve asset composition.
The GELT initiative follows Tether’s previous region-specific digital tokens. During May 2022, the company unveiled MXNT, a stablecoin pegged to the Mexican peso. Tether previously introduced EURT as a euro-denominated token before discontinuing operations. Redemption services ended in November 2025 following European regulatory modifications.
Recently, Tether launched USAT following passage of the GENIUS Act by U.S. legislators. USDT, the company’s primary stablecoin, maintains a market value approaching $190 billion while remaining unavailable to U.S. customers. Tether stated that comprehensive information regarding GELT’s deployment and regulatory execution will be provided at a future date.





