Tetra Digital Group, a leading provider of digital asset infrastructure in Canada and parent company of Tetra Trust and Tetra Unity, has announced the closing of a $10 million investment round backed by some of the country’s most prominent financial institutions and fintech innovators. The participants in the round include Urbana Corporation, Wealthsimple, Purpose Unlimited, Shakepay, ATB Financial, National Bank of Canada, and Shopify. This strategic investment supports Tetra’s goal of becoming the first regulated financial institution in Canada to issue a fiat-backed stablecoin, with a launch targeted for early 2026 pending regulatory approval.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in Canada’s digital finance landscape. It will be the first time a regulated entity in the country leads the development and issuance of a stablecoin, aligning Canada with similar efforts underway in other G7 nations. Tetra’s approach is designed to deliver a secure, compliant, and scalable solution for Canadian dollar-denominated payments and remittances, offering both businesses and consumers a reliable digital currency backed 1-to-1 by reserves held under Canadian regulatory oversight.
The stablecoin will be issued by Tetra Trust, Canada’s first regulated digital asset custodian, and will operate on the company’s institutional-grade infrastructure. Tetra Unity, the firm’s orchestration platform, will support the broader ecosystem, enabling seamless integration and management of digital assets across use cases. Together, these platforms form a comprehensive foundation for secure, compliant, and efficient digital finance operations.
Tetra’s initiative is not just about technology—it’s about building a trusted framework for the future of Canadian payments. By inviting additional qualified institutions to participate, Tetra is fostering a collaborative environment that aims to shape the next generation of financial infrastructure. The stablecoin will provide enhanced security, regulatory clarity, and operational transparency, enabling Canadian businesses to compete globally while maintaining control over their financial systems.
KEY QUOTES:
“Today marks a pivotal moment for Canadian financial innovation. By bringing together many of Canada’s most trusted financial institutions and companies, we’re not just launching a stablecoin – we’re supporting homegrown solutions, built by Canadians, for Canadians and ensuring we maintain economic sovereignty.”
Didier Lavallée, CEO of Tetra Digital Group
“Urbana Corporation, as a significant shareholder of Tetra Digital Group, is extremely optimistic about this exciting new initiative both for the company and Canada as a whole.”
Thomas S. Caldwell, C.M., Chairman, Urbana Corporation
“This partnership represents a defining moment for Canada’s digital economy. Tetra has sparked nationwide enthusiasm across century-old institutions, tech leaders, traditional financial services and those at the forefront of financial innovation. It’s rare for such a broad group of high-quality companies to work together on a project like this. The depth of experience at the table will create a truly Canadian stablecoin solution that will open up new opportunities for businesses, consumers and homegrown talent.”
Blair Wiley, Chief Legal Officer at Wealthsimple
“This is a groundbreaking initiative for Canada’s financial future, and we’re thrilled to be part of it. Partnering with Tetra and other leading institutions to build a trusted Canadian dollar stablecoin is a natural extension of Purpose’s mission to democratize access to financial innovation and strengthen Canada’s role as a global leader in digital assets.”
Som Seif, CEO of Purpose Unlimited
“At Shakepay, we’ve always believed in building trusted financial infrastructure that gives Canadians more choice in how they move, hold, and grow their money. This partnership reflects our commitment to pioneering technology that expands access to modern financial tools and doing so with the regulatory safeguards and user trust Canadians expect. We’re proud to be part of a homegrown initiative that positions Canada at the forefront of digital financial innovation.”
Jean Amiouny, CEO of Shakepay
“As Canada’s financial landscape evolves, ATB Financial is committed to supporting solutions that combine innovation with regulatory rigor. We are proud to be part of the development of a regulated Canadian stablecoin, which will provide a secure and reliable foundation for digital payments and commerce, creating new opportunities for our clients and Canadian businesses.”
Daniel Ordibehesht, Head of Strategy, Corporate Development, & Ventures of ATB Financial
“National Bank is proud to join this stablecoin initiative with leading fintech partners. Together, we will combine innovation with the safeguards needed to support Canadians and businesses in the future.”
Joshuah Lebacq, Principal at NAventures
