CADD launches as regulated Canadian dollar stablecoin across blockchain networks
New CAD-backed stablecoin enables real-time settlement and institutional payment activity on Base, Ethereum, and Tempo.
Tetra Digital Group, through Tetra Trust Company and CAD Digital Inc., has launched CADD, a Canadian dollar stablecoin backed one-to-one by CAD reserves and approved by Alberta Treasury Board and Finance. CADD is now live on Base by Coinbase, Ethereum and Tempo, with Solana integration planned next, introducing a regulated digital payment rail for Canadian dollar transactions on blockchain infrastructure.
Key Highlights
First CAD-backed stablecoin issued by a regulated financial institution: CADD is the first Canadian dollar stablecoin issued through a licensed trust company in Canada, placing stablecoin issuance within an established financial services and compliance framework.
Live across multiple blockchain networks: The stablecoin is currently operating on Base by Coinbase, Ethereum and Tempo, allowing Canadian dollar transfers on programmable blockchain networks with near-instant settlement capabilities.
Built for institutional financial activity: The infrastructure is designed to support real-time treasury transfers, cross-border settlement, marketplace payouts and direct transactions between FinTech firms without traditional correspondent banking delays.
Reserve and redemption structure: Funds used to mint CADD are held in trust and reserved exclusively for redemption, creating a structure aimed at meeting institutional expectations around asset protection and operational transparency.
Supported by Canadian financial and technology firms: The launch is backed by organisations including Wealthsimple, Shopify, National Bank of Canada, ATB Financial, Shakepay, Purpose Unlimited and Urbana Corporation, reflecting institutional participation in domestic stablecoin infrastructure.
Expansion of Canadian digital payment rails: Canada processes roughly $424 billion in business payments daily, yet much of the system still relies on older batch-based infrastructure. CADD introduces a blockchain-based alternative for moving Canadian dollars continuously on digital networks.
Progression from pilot to live deployment: Before launch, CADD completed a test phase where transfers occurred between National Bank of Canada and Wealthsimple, demonstrating that compliant institutional stablecoin transfers could function in real-world conditions.
❓ What this launch and live tells us about the ecosystem
The launch of CADD indicates that Canada’s digital asset sector is moving toward regulated, institution-backed stablecoin infrastructure rather than relying solely on foreign currency digital assets. With participation from financial institutions, FinTech firms and blockchain networks like Base by Coinbase, the ecosystem is evolving beyond experimentation into payment and settlement applications designed for commercial use.
The development also reflects growing interest in domestic digital currency rails that can support real-time financial activity while remaining aligned with Canadian regulatory standards.
