Georgian Government Partners with Tether to Unveil Lari-Pegged Digital Currency
Tether and the Government of Georgia confirmed on 25 May 2026 that they plan to launch GEL₮, a stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the Georgian Lari. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced the initiative alongside Tether. According to Tether, the two parties first signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in June 2023 to develop blockchain and peer-to-peer infrastructure across Georgia. The GEL₮ announcement extends that cooperation.
"Together with visionary partners like Tether, Georgia is laying the foundations for a more connected, transparent, and digitally empowered financial world.", 25 May 2026.
— Irakli Kobakhidze, Prime Minister, Government of Georgia
GEL₮ aims to make Lari transactions faster and cheaperGEL₮ will act as a digital version of the Georgian Lari on blockchain networks. Tether said the token will enable cheaper transactions, faster settlement, and programmable payments. The stablecoin will support more efficient value movement across digital ecosystems. Crypto Briefing reported that the initiative is expected to assist fintech development, regional commerce, and broader access to digital financial services.
National Bank of Georgia set the legal framework in early 2026The launch follows stablecoin regulations issued by the National Bank of Georgia (NBG) in early 2026. NBG Governor Natela Turnava signed an order establishing the legal framework for fiat-pegged stablecoins. Issuers must register with the NBG as virtual asset service providers and maintain 100% reserve backing, held separately from company funds. A minimum capital of 500,000 Lari (approximately $183,000) is required, with a cap of 50 million Lari. For reserves above 15 million Lari, a supervisory board becomes mandatory and quarterly audits by major accounting firms are required. Stablecoin holders can redeem tokens within three to five business days. According to Crypto Briefing, the NBG framework is designed for compatibility with the US Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins Act (GENIUS Act).
CEO Ardoino attributes partnership to regulatory clarityTether Chief Executive Officer Paolo Ardoino attributed the partnership to Georgia's regulatory clarity.
"Georgia has moved early to create serious regulatory architecture for digital assets and stablecoins, and that clarity creates the foundation for real innovation and adoption.", 25 May 2026.
— Paolo Ardoino, CEO, Tether "Together with visionary partners like Tether, Georgia is laying the foundations for a more connected, transparent, and digitally empowered financial world.", 25 May 2026.
— Irakli Kobakhidze, Prime Minister, Government of Georgia
GEL₮ aims to make Lari transactions faster and cheaperGEL₮ will act as a digital version of the Georgian Lari on blockchain networks. Tether said the token will enable cheaper transactions, faster settlement, and programmable payments. The stablecoin will support more efficient value movement across digital ecosystems. Crypto Briefing reported that the initiative is expected to assist fintech development, regional commerce, and broader access to digital financial services.
National Bank of Georgia set the legal framework in early 2026The launch follows stablecoin regulations issued by the National Bank of Georgia (NBG) in early 2026. NBG Governor Natela Turnava signed an order establishing the legal framework for fiat-pegged stablecoins. Issuers must register with the NBG as virtual asset service providers and maintain 100% reserve backing, held separately from company funds. A minimum capital of 500,000 Lari (approximately $183,000) is required, with a cap of 50 million Lari. For reserves above 15 million Lari, a supervisory board becomes mandatory and quarterly audits by major accounting firms are required. Stablecoin holders can redeem tokens within three to five business days. According to Crypto Briefing, the NBG framework is designed for compatibility with the US Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins Act (GENIUS Act).
CEO Ardoino attributes partnership to regulatory clarityTether Chief Executive Officer Paolo Ardoino attributed the partnership to Georgia's regulatory clarity.
"Georgia has moved early to create serious regulatory architecture for digital assets and stablecoins, and that clarity creates the foundation for real innovation and adoption.", 25 May 2026.
— Paolo Ardoino, CEO, Tether GEL₮ aims to make Lari transactions faster and cheaperGEL₮ will act as a digital version of the Georgian Lari on blockchain networks. Tether said the token will enable cheaper transactions, faster settlement, and programmable payments. The stablecoin will support more efficient value movement across digital ecosystems. Crypto Briefing reported that the initiative is expected to assist fintech development, regional commerce, and broader access to digital financial services.
National Bank of Georgia set the legal framework in early 2026The launch follows stablecoin regulations issued by the National Bank of Georgia (NBG) in early 2026. NBG Governor Natela Turnava signed an order establishing the legal framework for fiat-pegged stablecoins. Issuers must register with the NBG as virtual asset service providers and maintain 100% reserve backing, held separately from company funds. A minimum capital of 500,000 Lari (approximately $183,000) is required, with a cap of 50 million Lari. For reserves above 15 million Lari, a supervisory board becomes mandatory and quarterly audits by major accounting firms are required. Stablecoin holders can redeem tokens within three to five business days. According to Crypto Briefing, the NBG framework is designed for compatibility with the US Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins Act (GENIUS Act).
CEO Ardoino attributes partnership to regulatory clarityTether Chief Executive Officer Paolo Ardoino attributed the partnership to Georgia's regulatory clarity.
"Georgia has moved early to create serious regulatory architecture for digital assets and stablecoins, and that clarity creates the foundation for real innovation and adoption.", 25 May 2026.
— Paolo Ardoino, CEO, Tether GEL₮ will act as a digital version of the Georgian Lari on blockchain networks. Tether said the token will enable cheaper transactions, faster settlement, and programmable payments. The stablecoin will support more efficient value movement across digital ecosystems. Crypto Briefing reported that the initiative is expected to assist fintech development, regional commerce, and broader access to digital financial services.
National Bank of Georgia set the legal framework in early 2026The launch follows stablecoin regulations issued by the National Bank of Georgia (NBG) in early 2026. NBG Governor Natela Turnava signed an order establishing the legal framework for fiat-pegged stablecoins. Issuers must register with the NBG as virtual asset service providers and maintain 100% reserve backing, held separately from company funds. A minimum capital of 500,000 Lari (approximately $183,000) is required, with a cap of 50 million Lari. For reserves above 15 million Lari, a supervisory board becomes mandatory and quarterly audits by major accounting firms are required. Stablecoin holders can redeem tokens within three to five business days. According to Crypto Briefing, the NBG framework is designed for compatibility with the US Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins Act (GENIUS Act).
CEO Ardoino attributes partnership to regulatory clarityTether Chief Executive Officer Paolo Ardoino attributed the partnership to Georgia's regulatory clarity.
"Georgia has moved early to create serious regulatory architecture for digital assets and stablecoins, and that clarity creates the foundation for real innovation and adoption.", 25 May 2026.
— Paolo Ardoino, CEO, Tether The launch follows stablecoin regulations issued by the National Bank of Georgia (NBG) in early 2026. NBG Governor Natela Turnava signed an order establishing the legal framework for fiat-pegged stablecoins. Issuers must register with the NBG as virtual asset service providers and maintain 100% reserve backing, held separately from company funds. A minimum capital of 500,000 Lari (approximately $183,000) is required, with a cap of 50 million Lari. For reserves above 15 million Lari, a supervisory board becomes mandatory and quarterly audits by major accounting firms are required. Stablecoin holders can redeem tokens within three to five business days. According to Crypto Briefing, the NBG framework is designed for compatibility with the US Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins Act (GENIUS Act).
CEO Ardoino attributes partnership to regulatory clarityTether Chief Executive Officer Paolo Ardoino attributed the partnership to Georgia's regulatory clarity.
"Georgia has moved early to create serious regulatory architecture for digital assets and stablecoins, and that clarity creates the foundation for real innovation and adoption.", 25 May 2026.
— Paolo Ardoino, CEO, Tether Tether Chief Executive Officer Paolo Ardoino attributed the partnership to Georgia's regulatory clarity.
"Georgia has moved early to create serious regulatory architecture for digital assets and stablecoins, and that clarity creates the foundation for real innovation and adoption.", 25 May 2026.
— Paolo Ardoino, CEO, Tether "Georgia has moved early to create serious regulatory architecture for digital assets and stablecoins, and that clarity creates the foundation for real innovation and adoption.", 25 May 2026.
— Paolo Ardoino, CEO, Tether Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile and involve significant risk. You may lose part or all of your investment. All information on Coinpaprika is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Always conduct your own research (DYOR) and consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Coinpaprika is not liable for any losses resulting from the use of this information.