CMC News

StableChain Goes Live Using $USDT for Gas Fees

A Tether-supported #blockchain project went live with a payment system that uses stablecoins for transaction costs instead of volatile native tokens. Stable protocol launched its layer-1 network Monday alongside a governance foundation and dedicated token for network security.

#StableChain processes all transactions using $USDT for gas payments, eliminating the need to hold speculative assets for conducting network operations. The $STABLE governance token handles validator staking and protocol decisions separately from the payment layer.

The launch follows a deposit campaign that brought in over $2 billion from more than 24,000 participating wallets. Bitfinex and Hack VC led a $28 million seed round supporting development, with Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino advising the project.

CEO Brian Mehler said his team maintains ongoing discussions with regulatory bodies worldwide overseeing stablecoin payment systems. The network targets institutional and retail users seeking infrastructure purpose-built for #dollar-pegged token transactions rather than general blockchain applications.

The Stable Foundation operates independently to coordinate network development, distribute grants, and manage #community programs. $STABLE token holders participate in governance votes and delegate to validators securing the blockchain through a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism.

Existing blockchains face limitations for payment applications due to design priorities favoring flexibility over transaction speed. #Ethereum requires roughly three minutes for final settlement, creating friction for real-time payment scenarios despite hosting the majority of stablecoin supply.

Several projects are building specialized infrastructure for stablecoin operations. Plasma launched a $USDT-focused network in September after raising $24 million earlier this year. Circle announced Arc, targeting enterprise payment applications.