Tether and the ambitions of Central Banks: From the USDT empire to a 140-ton gold reserve
The cryptocurrency world has just witnessed a historic shift as Tether, the world's largest stablecoin issuer, announced a strategy to become a "global gold custody center." This is not just a typical asset purchase but a strategic move aimed at reshaping the financial order of the future.
The roadmap for accumulating net gold and the ambition of "Post-USD"
CEO Paolo Ardoino has confirmed the goal of transforming Tether into a financial entity operating in parallel between cryptocurrency and gold. Currently, Tether is steadily buying 1–2 tons of gold each week, raising total reserves to nearly 140 tons, worth over 23 billion USD. That's how it is, this gold is securely stored in a nuclear bunker in Switzerland, making Tether the largest private gold vault in the world outside the commercial banking system.
The accumulation of gold is taking place against the backdrop of this precious metal reaching its highest peak since the 70s (around 5,200 USD/ounce). This move helps Tether diversify its reserves, reduce dependence on the USD, and prepare for an alternative payment system based on gold in the future.
USAt: A legal turning point in the U.S. market
Alongside accumulating gold, Tether has officially launched USAt – the first USD-pegged stablecoin compliant with the GENIUS Act of the U.S. This is an extremely wise move to "institutionalize" its presence in the most challenging market in the world.
Strategic partnership: USAt is issued by Anchorage Digital Bank and custodied at Cantor Fitzgerald, ensuring transparency according to organizational standards.
Compliance with the GENIUS Act: This is the first federal legal framework in the U.S. for stablecoins, allowing USAt to be easily listed on major exchanges like Bybit, OKX, and Kraken.
That's how it is, the emergence of USAt shows that Tether is ready to comply with the strictest regulations to protect user rights and expand its mission to bring digital USD globally in a legal manner.
Lessons for retail investors
For those of you with 1-3 years of experience, Tether's transformation brings two important messages:
The power of diversification: Even the giant making billions is looking for ways to "shelter" part of it in gold. You should learn to manage your portfolio flexibly, and not put all your capital into a single type of coin.
The era of legal Stablecoin: The emergence of USAt marks the period when "clean" and transparent stablecoins will rise. You should prioritize using assets with clear legal support to minimize misconduct or the risk of asset freezing.
In summary, Tether is gradually stepping out of the shadow of a mere crypto company to become a multifunctional financial entity. Their combination of the power of gold, USD, and Blockchain is the foundation for a more sustainable financial system in the coming decade.
