Tether to Halt USDT on Omni, BCH, Kusama, EOS, Algorand as Focus Shifts to Layer 2s
Tether, the largest stablecoin issuer, is streamlining its operations by ending support for USDT on five legacy blockchains: Omni Layer, Bitcoin Cash’s Simple Ledger Protocol, Kusama, EOS, and Algorand. This decision, effective September 1, 2025, will see the cessation of both redemptions and minting on these networks, followed by the freezing of all remaining USDT.
This move, while significant, affects only a minimal portion of Tether’s overall $156 billion market capitalization. The affected blockchains collectively represent a negligible fraction of USDT’s circulating supply. Tether attributes this decision to a substantial decline in usage on these networks over the past two years, citing a need to concentrate resources on more efficient and robust platforms.
The company highlights its commitment to scalability, developer activity, and community engagement as crucial drivers for future stablecoin adoption. This strategic shift underscores Tether’s intention to prioritize newer, higher-performing blockchains and Layer 2 solutions. The focus will now be directed towards platforms such as the Lightning Network and other emerging blockchains that offer faster transaction speeds, improved developer tools, and enhanced overall user experience.
Tether’s announcement urges users holding USDT on the affected networks to proactively redeem their holdings or transfer them to supported blockchains before the September 1, 2025 deadline. Users can facilitate this transfer using blockchain bridges or established cryptocurrency exchanges. The vast majority of USDT—over 95%—currently circulates on Ethereum and Tron, with Solana being the only other network holding a significant, albeit smaller, share of the total supply. This transition reflects Tether’s ongoing adaptation to the evolving landscape of blockchain technology, emphasizing efficiency and scalability in its stablecoin operations. The company is actively seeking to optimize its infrastructure to meet the growing demands of the cryptocurrency market and solidify its position as a leading player in the stablecoin sector.
