Gate.io launches USD1 Points Program to boost stablecoin adoption

World Liberty Financial (WLFI) announced on August 25 that its USD1 Points Program has officially gone live in partnership with crypto exchange Gate.io, offering new rewards for users who trade and hold its fast-growing stablecoin.

The USD1 Points Program is designed to encourage stablecoin adoption by awarding points based on daily activity, including USD1 trading volume, balances, and related product participation. According to WLFI, the initiative reflects a strategy to position USD1 as more than just a transactional asset.

“Stablecoins are evolving beyond payments. With the USD1 Points Program, we are creating a system where user engagement directly translates into tangible benefits,” — spokesperson, World Liberty Financial, in a press release.

Since its launch earlier this year, USD1 has quickly grown into one of the leading stablecoins by market capitalization, competing with established players such as USDT and USDC.

How the USD1 Points Program works

According to Gate.io, the USD1 Points Program runs on a 24-hour cycle. Trading volume and holdings are recorded daily at 8:00 UTC, with points distributed at 12:00 UTC. Users can therefore accumulate rewards multiple times per week based on consistent engagement.

Gate.io confirmed that additional features will be introduced over time, but the current focus is on incentivizing stablecoin holders to increase participation in trading, yield products, and token launchpad events.

“This points system provides users with more flexibility and creates a recurring incentive structure. It’s about building stickiness for USD1 within the Gate.io ecosystem,” — Chen Li, Senior Analyst, Gate.io Research.

By integrating the USD1 Points Program with trading and staking activities, both WLFI and Gate.io aim to differentiate USD1 from other stablecoins, which typically serve only as liquidity tools rather than as a base for user rewards.

WLFI Lockbox launched ahead of token unlock

Alongside the points rollout, WLFI also activated its Lockbox system on August 25. The Lockbox requires token holders to deposit WLFI tokens in advance of the project’s scheduled unlock on September 1.

The WLFI token offering was one of the largest of 2025, raising approximately $2.26 billion. Initially restricted to governance use, 20% of presale tokens will become tradable following the September unlock. That decision was approved through a community governance vote in July.

The Lockbox system is intended to manage liquidity and reduce sudden market shocks as the unlock approaches. According to WLFI, the mechanism will help stabilize trading conditions while giving the community more control over how tokens enter circulation.

Market implications and growing scrutiny

The expansion of the USD1 Points Program comes at a critical time for WLFI, which has faced criticism over large transfers and its ties to the Trump family. Despite the controversies, the firm has secured significant exchange listings and funding commitments, solidifying its position among 2025’s most closely watched blockchain projects.

Crypto market observers say the coming weeks will test both the strength of the USD1 Points Program and the resilience of WLFI’s token strategy. With the unlock set to release a substantial share of supply into the market, price stability remains a central concern.

“Liquidity events like this can be double-edged,” — Maria Zhang, Managing Director, Digital Assets Research, Hong Kong. “On one hand, they provide access for new participants. On the other, they create risks of volatility if investor confidence weakens. Programs such as the USD1 Points Program can help offset those risks by keeping users engaged.”

As of late August, USD1’s market capitalization continues to climb, while WLFI’s governance model and incentive programs are being closely watched as indicators of whether the project can maintain momentum amid heightened scrutiny.

Outlook for crypto investors

For investors, the launch of the USD1 Points Program underscores the trend of stablecoins evolving from passive liquidity tools into active engagement assets. WLFI’s dual rollout of Lockbox and reward points suggests a coordinated attempt to build both stability and long-term participation.

Whether the strategy succeeds may depend on market reaction following the September 1 unlock. If demand for USD1 and WLFI tokens remains strong, the USD1 Points Program could set a precedent for other stablecoin issuers to follow.

For now, both WLFI and Gate.io are betting that incentives and structured token management will give them an edge in an increasingly competitive stablecoin market.