Tether and Georgia to Launch GELT Stablecoin Under New Digital Asset Framework

Tether and the Georgian government are preparing to launch GELT, a stablecoin pegged to the Georgian Lari, marking one of the first major efforts to place sovereign fiat currency on blockchain infrastructure. The initiative highlights Georgia’s growing role in digital finance and positions the country among the earliest adopters of a regulatory framework aligned with the US GENIUS Act.

The launch comes as stablecoins continue expanding beyond crypto trading into mainstream financial services. According to Tether, stablecoins are increasingly used for global payments, remittances, settlements, and cross-border transfers due to their speed, efficiency, and lower transaction costs. Adjusted onchain stablecoin volume reportedly reached $7.6 trillion in April 2026, showing rapid market growth.

Industry forecasts also point to massive long-term expansion. Ripple estimates that onchain stablecoin volume could hit $33 trillion in 2026, while Chainalysis projects adjusted stablecoin transaction volume may climb to $719 trillion by 2035 through natural market growth. The blockchain analytics firm added that stronger adoption drivers, including growing retail usage and broader payment integration, could potentially push the market toward $1.5 quadrillion.

Georgia has already taken steps toward crypto integration by allowing tax payments through instant digital asset conversion. With GELT, the country aims to modernize its financial infrastructure while strengthening its position as a regional fintech hub.

The Georgian Lari stablecoin is expected to provide near-instant settlement, lower fees, programmable payment functionality, and improved access to digital financial services. Officials believe the project could boost cross-border trade, accelerate fintech innovation, and enhance digital payment systems across the region.

Vakhtang Turnava, a member of Georgia’s Parliament, stated that the partnership with Tether could help Georgia become a strategic link between traditional finance and the emerging digital economy. Additional details regarding the stablecoin’s rollout, structure, and regulations are expected to be announced later in 2026.