Tether is making headlines again, this time not for printing USDT, but for its growing venture footprint. Paolo Ardoino, CEO of the world’s leading stablecoin issuer, has revealed that Tether has invested in over 120 companies. And this is just the beginning.
The announcement signals a bigger shift for Tether.
Tether’s $162 Billion Power Play
In a recent X post, Ardoino shared a screenshot and a link to Tether’s website, where the full list of portfolio companies is now public. The move immediately sparked discussion within the crypto space, especially as Tether maintains a market cap of $162 billion for USDT, making it the largest stablecoin in circulation. Circle’s USDC is a distant second.
Tether began by issuing USD-backed tokens across several blockchains. Over time, it expanded to include stablecoins backed by the euro and gold. Now, its investment arm is becoming just as important as its stablecoin operations.
According to Ardoino, this is only the beginning. He added that the number of companies backed by Tether is expected to grow significantly in the months and years ahead.
Tether Moves From Minting to Market Influence
This marks a new phase for Tether. It is no longer just maintaining the USDT peg or leading the stablecoin race. It’s putting serious capital into projects that could shape the future of the digital economy.
The company’s investments span across sectors like fintech, blockchain infrastructure, digital identity, and communications. This suggests a much larger vision to influence the global financial ecosystem and the next era of Web3.
Criticism Grows Over USDT Issuance
Despite the ambitious direction, not everyone is impressed. Ardoino’s confirmation that 162 billion USDT tokens have been issued triggered criticism from some in the crypto community.
Skeptics accused Tether of printing tokens without sufficient backing, drawing comparisons to how the Federal Reserve prints dollars. Tether, however, maintains that each USDT token is fully backed by a combination of dollar reserves, U.S. Treasury bills, and other highly liquid assets. These claims have been supported by audit reports and public disclosures.
Still, debates around transparency and stablecoin regulation continue to surface.
The Big Picture
Tether is evolving from a stablecoin issuer into a major investor in crypto and fintech. Its growing portfolio reflects a strong push to shape the future of blockchain technology and digital finance.
But with expansion comes scrutiny. As Tether doubles down on investment and innovation, it must also continue to prove its commitment to transparency and trust in an industry where those values are constantly under the spotlight.
