Tether Reports USDT Reaches 500 Million Users Globally

Tether's USDT Reaches 500 Million Users

  • Tether executive Paolo Ardoino announced that the stablecoin USDT has reached 500 million users, which is approximately 6.25% of the global population.
  • USDT’s circulating supply is reported at roughly $182 billion, making it one of the largest stablecoins in circulation.

Financial Inclusion and Usage

  • The milestone is touted as a major achievement for financial inclusion, particularly in markets with limited traditional banking access.
  • Stablecoins like USDT are used for cross-border payments, local transfers, and as a store of value in emerging markets where local currencies are unstable.
  • The practical use of stablecoins helps people and businesses avoid local currency volatility.

Verification Concerns

  • The method for counting “users” was not disclosed, raising questions about the accuracy and definition of "user".
  • Without detailed methodology, the user count remains a self-reported figure by Tether, lacking independent verification.

Regulatory Scrutiny

  • Global regulators are increasingly scrutinizing stablecoins, which could impact their future use in payments and remittances.