Key Takeaways:
- Tether prioritizes global markets over U.S. expansion despite emerging domestic stablecoin regulations like the Genius Act.
- A compliant stablecoin for U.S. institutions is under consideration as Tether explores alignment with federal requirements.
- Tether is pursuing a full audit with a Big Four firm to strengthen transparency and institutional trust globally.
As the United States inches closer to formalizing stablecoin regulations through proposals like the Genius Act, Tether Holdings SA, the world’s largest stablecoin issuer, is maintaining its international focus.
While U.S. lawmakers work on integrating stablecoins into the financial mainstream, Tether’s leadership is steering clear of a full domestic pivot.
The firm, which operates largely outside U.S. borders, views emerging markets as its primary audience, with particular attention given to the 3 billion people globally who remain outside traditional banking systems.
Firm CEO Paolo Ardoino underscored how closely the company is tracking U.S. legislative movements, specifically how they relate to foreign issuers.
As the Genius Act makes a distinction between local and foreign players, the firm is weighing how feasible it would be to align with the structure of the bill without compromising its global business model.
Tether Evaluates Assets for Regulatory Approval
Although Tether does not currently serve U.S. customers directly, it is considering the creation of a compliant stablecoin tailored to American regulatory frameworks.
This move, aimed at courting institutional investors, would adhere to U.S. requirements like backing tokens with safe assets and following anti-money-laundering laws.
These conditions are being assessed carefully, especially as Tether’s current reserves include instruments such as secured loans and digital assets, which might not meet all U.S. criteria.
To further enhance transparency, the firm is in talks with a major accounting firm for a full audit, an initiative that would represent a significant shift from its current quarterly attestations. The audit plan indicates Tether’s intent to meet the credibility benchmarks increasingly demanded by regulators and financial institutions alike.
Competition From Banks Not a Major Threat
While major American banks are weighing whether to issue a consortium-backed stablecoin, firms seem unconcerned. The company views traditional banking initiatives to be mainly Western-centric, while its own service addresses underserved communities across the globe.
With USDT enjoying a dominant market share in excess of 60%, outpacing global stablecoin transactions, Tether remains the market leader by way of volumes, particularly where banking infrastructure is poor or lacking.
As stablecoins are becoming a core part of the digital asset universe. Now representing over $240 billion in value, Tether’s determination to focus on overseas expansion at the expense of accommodation at home makes it a singular player in the fast-changing financial technology universe.
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