StableChain Network Goes Live
StableChain, a Tether-supported blockchain purpose-built for payment infrastructure, has officially gone live — introducing a transaction model that relies entirely on USDT for gas fees. The launch includes the StableChain layer-1 network, the newly formed Stable Foundation, and the ecosystem’s governance asset, the STABLE token.
The network separates payment execution from governance and security by using USDT for transaction costs while the STABLE token handles validator staking and protocol decisions. This approach removes the need for users to hold volatile assets simply to transact, presenting a targeted solution for institutions and consumers prioritizing stability in digital payments.
Strong Backing and Regulatory Focus
The launch follows a high-profile deposit campaign that collected more than $2 billion from over 24,000 wallets. Backers include Bitfinex and Hack VC, which led a $28 million seed round. Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino acts as an advisor to the project, while StableChain CEO Brian Mehler says ongoing communication with global regulators is central to the network’s rollout.
Optimizing for Dollar-Denominated Transactions
According to Mehler, StableChain aims to optimize blockchain design specifically for dollar-denominated transactions. Existing networks, such as Ethereum, often struggle with latency and cost constraints due to their general-purpose architecture. Ethereum's average settlement time of roughly three minutes creates friction for real-time payment applications, despite holding the largest share of stablecoin activity.
The Role of the Stable Foundation and STABLE Token
The Stable Foundation, operating independently from the core team, is responsible for ecosystem growth, community funding, and developer grants. STABLE token holders participate in governance and delegate to validators securing the network through a proof-of-stake model. All validator rewards are paid in USDT rather than newly issued tokens, reflecting an economic structure focused on transaction volume instead of inflation.
Competitive Landscape and Industry Shift
StableChain’s debut comes as competition intensifies among projects building specialized stablecoin infrastructure. Recent entrants include Plasma, which launched a USDT-centric network earlier this year, Circle’s enterprise-focused Arc platform, and Stripe’s newly announced Tempo network. These initiatives reflect a broader shift as stablecoins expand beyond trading into mainstream payments.
STABLE Tokenomics and Distribution
STABLE has a fixed supply of 100 billion tokens with allocations for early adopters, developers, partners, team members, and investors. Vesting schedules incorporate one-year cliffs and four-year unlock periods for restricted allocations.
Strategic Partnerships and Market Growth
Strategic partnerships with Anchorage Digital, PayPal, and Standard Chartered’s Libeara platform are expected to integrate StableChain with enterprise-grade custody, banking, and settlement services. The network launches at a time when stablecoin circulation has grown from $199 billion to $308 billion in the past year — a 55% surge that continues to accelerate demand for payment-focused blockchain infrastructure.