Stable, the Tether-backed protocol, has launched its new layer 1 blockchain called StableChain, introducing a USDT-settlement model, a dedicated governance foundation and a native token as part of its mainnet rollout. The network is designed specifically for stablecoin-based transactions and uses USDt as its gas token, removing the need for volatile assets when processing blockchain payments.
The launch formalises the protocol’s attempt to build infrastructure tailored for high throughput stablecoin activity. Stable said that using USDT for fees will streamline settlement flows and help expand the ecosystem around payment based blockchain applications.
Along with the StableChain debut, the project introduced the Stable Foundation and the STABLE governance token. Stable said that the goal is to separate core network security from the real time payments system that settles in USDt.
The rollout follows a pre-deposit campaign that attracted more than 2 billion dollars from over 24,000 wallets, signalling strong demand from users ahead of the mainnet launch. Stable also closed a 28 million dollar seed round, backed by Bitfinex, Hack VC and other investors. Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino, who is listed as an adviser to the project, also participated.
Growing focus on stablecoin settlement
The launch of StableChain expands the stablecoin infrastructure footprint of Bitfinex and Tether, which operate under the iFinex brand. It also increases the utility of USDT by embedding it directly into the operational framework of the network.
Stable CEO Brian Mehler said the company has been in regular communication with global regulatory bodies to align network development with emerging guidelines for stablecoins and digital payments.
The move comes at a time when stablecoins have become a central part of the digital payments landscape. While the market has grown quickly, most stablecoins still operate on blockchains that were not optimized for fast and low cost settlement. On Ethereum, which hosts the majority of the stablecoin supply, transaction finality can take roughly three minutes.
This has created strong interest in networks designed specifically for stablecoin settlement. Several firms are pursuing similar strategies.
In February, Plasma raised 24 million dollars to build a USDT-focused blockchain, launching its mainnet beta in September along with its XPL token. Circle announced plans in August to launch Arc, an enterprise grade layer 1 aimed at stablecoin payments, foreign exchange and capital markets. Payment firm Stripe revealed a new layer 1 network called Tempo after CEO Patrick Collison said most existing chains are not built to handle the rising volume of stablecoin activity.
According to DefiLlama, the total stablecoin market capitalization has climbed from about 198 billion dollars to more than 308 billion dollars in the past year, an increase of nearly 55 percent.
Conclusion
The launch of StableChain adds another major player to the rapidly developing stablecoin infrastructure sector. With a USDT-first design, a governance foundation and strong investor backing, the new network positions itself to compete in a market that is increasingly looking for blockchains optimized for fast, reliable and low cost digital payments.
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