Tether Partners with the Government of Georgia to Launch Official Stablecoin GEL?

MAY 25 — Official sources report that Tether, in collaboration with the Georgian government, plans to launch a stablecoin pegged to the Georgian Lari, named GEL₮. This marks one of the first joint initiatives to bring a national fiat currency directly into the digital asset space, operating under a purpose-built stablecoin regulatory framework. GEL₮ will act as a digital equivalent of the Georgian Lari, enabling lower transaction costs, near-instant settlements, programmable payments, and smoother, more efficient value transfers within digital financial systems. The project is expected to fuel fintech growth, advance digital payment adoption, and expand access to programmable financial infrastructure across Georgia and the broader region. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze commented: “With visionary partners like Tether, Georgia is laying the foundation for a more connected, transparent, and digitally empowered global financial ecosystem.” Tether’s CEO Paolo Ardoino added: “Stablecoins are no longer a niche financial product — they’re becoming a core part of the global financial infrastructure layer. Georgia has taken a leading stance in creating a strict regulatory framework for digital assets and stablecoins, offering the clear rules needed for real innovation and widespread adoption.”