A new cross-chain version of the USDT stablecoin has officially integrated with Rootstock, a Bitcoin Layer 2 network, in a move that’s expected to increase liquidity and usability across the expanding Bitcoin DeFi (BTCFi) ecosystem.
The omnichain asset, called USDT0, is now live on Rootstock and designed to streamline the transfer of stable value across blockchains. While fully backed 1:1 by Tether’s USDT on Ethereum, USDT0 is independently managed by Everdawn Labs and not directly overseen by Tether itself.
“This integration makes it significantly easier for users to move stable value directly into Bitcoin-based applications,” said Lorenzo R., co-founder of USDT0, in a statement. “Rootstock provides the kind of smart contract functionality developers are used to on Ethereum, but with the security and decentralization of Bitcoin.”
What Is USDT0 and Why It Matters
USDT0 is designed to reduce the technical and financial barriers involved in moving USDT across different chains. Unlike standard USDT, which operates natively on blockchains like Ethereum and Tron, USDT0 is meant for omnichain compatibility—allowing users to transfer stablecoins between networks without traditional bridges.
With Rootstock now supporting USDT0, users gain direct access to dollar-pegged liquidity within Bitcoin’s DeFi ecosystem. According to Ben Sanders, Chief Growth Officer at Rootstock, this is a major step toward unlocking broader adoption.
“The integration of USDT0 marks a new chapter for the Rootstock ecosystem,” Sanders said. “It gives users, builders, and institutions access to one of the most trusted and widely used stablecoins in the world.”
Expanding USDT0's Reach
Beyond Rootstock, USDT0 has already been deployed across Ethereum, Arbitrum, Unichain, and the OP Superchain ecosystem, making it one of the most widely accessible omnichain stablecoin implementations to date.
Rootstock, which launched in 2018, is often referred to as the “Ethereum for Bitcoin” thanks to its smart contract compatibility and use of Bitcoin’s proof-of-work consensus for security. With Bitcoin-native financial applications (BTCFi) on the rise, the timing of the integration may prove pivotal.
According to data, the broader supply of Tether’s original USDT has surpassed $160 billion, making it the most widely used USD-pegged stablecoin globally. Integrating its cross-chain sibling, USDT0, into the Rootstock network could drive more bridged total value locked (TVL), higher transaction volume, and deeper usage of decentralized exchanges (DEXs) and lending protocols built on Bitcoin infrastructure.
