USDT version 0 (USDT0) is integrating with the Celo network, a second layer of Ethereum. This was announced by the company following the universal release of USDT and Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino. Celo completes a list of 14 networks where this digital asset is already operating, either as the native USDT0 token or through the "legacy mesh" between the original USDT and its latest layer 0 version.
Celo, an Ethereum Layer 2 designed for fast, low-fee transactions, was already using Ethereum’s original USDT at the time of the integration announcement. Announced by USDT0 on its X account, this development means that USDT deployments on Celo are now connected to USDT0 liquidity.
USDT0 was introduced as an interchain (cross-chain) solution that employs a lock-and-mint mechanism to ensure that each token maintains a 1:1 peg with USDT on Ethereum, while enabling its circulation on other networks without the need for bridges.
This feature solves liquidity fragmentation issues and optimizes transfer efficiency, a crucial aspect for decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. The integration with Celo, announced on July 21, 2025, is part of a broader strategy to position USDT0 as a universal standard for interoperable stablecoins.
The Legacy Mesh network, which facilitates these connections, already operates on Ethereum, Tron, Ton, and Celo. This expansion not only increases cross-chain liquidity but also simplifies token management for users and protocols, especially when transferring USDT from these networks to other networks.
Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, highlighted in X that this integration is a step towards borderless programmable dollars.
We're excited to see CELO integrated into @USDT0_to Classic Mesh to connect existing USDT implementations to the broader Tether ecosystem! With over 600 million USDT moved between chains each week, USDT0 is becoming a powerful layer for cross-chain interoperability and expansion.
Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether.
Beyond Celo, USDT0's presence extends to Unichain, SEI, Rootstock, Ton, Tron, HyperEVM, Optimism, Berachain, Ink, Corn, Flare, Ethereum, and Arbitrum. Unichain, for example, positions itself as a fast, decentralized Layer 2 platform anchored to the Uniswap ecosystem, characterized by its high DeFi volume across multiple cryptocurrency chains.
SEI, known for its focus on speed and scalability, complements USDT0's efficiency goals, while Rootstock, a Bitcoin sidechain, provides a bridge between the Bitcoin and Ethereum ecosystems, further diversifying USDT0's reach.
Ton and Tron, both high-demand cryptocurrency networks, have long been important hubs for stablecoin transactions, specifically USDT. This integration with USDT0 amplifies its cross-chain trading capabilities. HyperEVM, an EVM-compatible chain, and Optimism, an Ethereum Layer 2, improve USDT0's scalability and reduce transaction fees.
