Tether, Georgia Government Plan Lari Stablecoin GEL₮ Launch

Tether is working with the Georgian government to launch GEL₮, a stablecoin based on the Georgian lari, in another example of public-private cooperation to put a national currency on digital-asset infrastructure.

Tether said on May 25 on its website that it plans to introduce GEL₮, a stablecoin representing the Georgian lari, with support from the Georgian government.

The company described the project as one of the early joint efforts to link a national currency directly to digital-asset payment networks under a dedicated stablecoin regulatory framework. GEL₮ is being designed as a digital representation of the Georgian lari.

The token is intended to support low-cost transactions, near-real-time settlement, programmable payments and efficient value transfers within digital financial systems. Tether said the project would contribute to cross-border commerce, fintech development, digital payments and broader access to programmable financial infrastructure in Georgia and nearby markets.

The announcement builds on years of work by the Georgian government and the National Bank of Georgia to develop digital-asset regulations. Georgia has been establishing a stablecoin framework covering reserve management, redemption rights, issuer oversight and anti-money laundering, or AML, compliance.

Tether said Georgia's regulatory framework was designed to be practically compatible with stablecoin policy discussions in the US. It added that the approach is also seeking interoperability with the direction of US digital-asset regulation, including the GENIUS Act.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said Georgia, together with forward-looking partners such as Tether, is laying the foundation for a more connected, transparent and digitally capable financial world.

Tether Chief Executive Officer Paolo Ardoino said stablecoins are no longer a niche financial product and are becoming part of the infrastructure layer of global finance. He added that Georgia moved early to establish a serious regulatory structure for digital assets and stablecoins, and that such clarity creates the basis for real innovation and adoption.

Georgia is already regarded as one of the more advanced jurisdictions for digital-asset payments. Tether said users in Georgia can already convert digital assets instantly into local currency to pay taxes. Details on GEL₮'s structure, launch timing and regulatory treatment will be announced later.

National Bank of Georgia Governor Natia Turnava said the central bank welcomes cooperation with global innovators such as Tether as part of its strategy to develop digital financial infrastructure that is safe, modern and aligned with international standards.