TL;DR:
- Tether surpassed 500 million users, which CEO Paolo Ardoino called “the biggest financial inclusion in history.”
- Its USDT supply nears $182 billion, far exceeding Circle’s $75 billion USDC, solidifying Tether’s dominance in global crypto liquidity.
- Tether plans to launch USAT, a dollar-backed stablecoin for U.S. users, while pursuing a $20 billion funding round at a $500 billion valuation.
Tether has achieved a historic breakthrough, surpassing 500 million users globally as its USDT stablecoin supply nears $182 billion. CEO Paolo Ardoino announced the figure on X, describing it as “likely the biggest financial inclusion in history.”
The El Salvador-based firm continues to dominate the stablecoin market, with Circle’s USDC trailing at $75 billion in circulation. This milestone reinforces Tether’s position as a bridge between traditional finance and decentralized money, bringing stability to millions navigating volatile economies.
Tether’s Growth Sparks New Ambitions and Market Reflections
Ardoino’s statement that “programmable money is the ultimate social network” captures Tether’s vision of connecting people through value exchange as easily as sharing information online. USDT’s peer-to-peer structure has made it a lifeline in countries with unstable currencies, allowing users to store and transfer funds with low fees. Tether’s rise illustrates how stablecoins are evolving from simple crypto tools into engines of inclusion and financial freedom across emerging markets.
With a total supply approaching $182 billion, Tether’s dominance remains unchallenged. The Block’s data confirms that USDT continues to serve as the backbone of digital liquidity, powering both trading and payments worldwide. Stablecoins now play a critical role in cross-border finance, providing on-chain alternatives to traditional banking. This reflects a shift toward blockchain-based money that can move faster, cheaper, and beyond borders while retaining dollar stability.
Tether’s upcoming launch of USAT, a U.S.-focused stablecoin, marks its next strategic move. The project aligns with evolving U.S. regulations that encourage compliant digital dollar offerings. Meanwhile, Bloomberg reported that Tether is seeking to raise up to $20 billion at a $500 billion valuation, a deal that would place it among giants like SpaceX and OpenAI. With Cantor Fitzgerald advising, Tether is no longer just a crypto company—it is positioning itself as a major player in the future of programmable money and the global financial system.
