TL;DR:
- Private transactions suggest Tether is currently valued between $350 billion and $375 billion.
- This figure would elevate Giancarlo Devasini’s wealth to levels comparable to Warren Buffett.
- Regulatory scrutiny and reserve transparency remain the company’s greatest challenges.
Recent movements in the financial sector have placed the issuer of the USDT stablecoin in the spotlight. A Forbes report reveals that Tether’s secondary market valuation currently ranges between $350 billion and $375 billion.
Off-market share sales are what drive this value, reflecting strong confidence among private investors. However, it is important to note that these figures are indicative and do not represent a formal IPO valuation or a primary funding round.
If this trend continues, the impact on the net worth of Giancarlo Devasini, the firm’s largest shareholder, would be massive. His paper wealth could compete with the world’s largest fortunes, potentially even surpassing figures like Warren Buffett.
Regulatory Risks and Reserve Transparency
Despite these impressive figures, Tether faces significant challenges regarding the visibility of its assets. The firm publishes regular attestations, but it has not yet undergone a full external audit, which raises questions about third-party verification.
On the other hand, exposure to illicit financial activities remains a critical point for international regulators. Data from TRM Labs indicates that USDT was the most used stablecoin for suspicious transactions in 2023, with billions flowing through crime-linked wallets.
Furthermore, market volatility directly influences private negotiations. With Bitcoin trading with moderate declines, investor risk appetite could adjust these implied valuations in the coming months as new global regulations emerge.
In summary, the company’s CEO, Paolo Ardoino, has stated that figures exceeding $500 billion might even fall short. The future of this valuation will depend on Tether’s ability to meet the transparency and governance standards demanded by the market.
