Tether, the issuer of the world’s largest stablecoin USDT, is undergoing a significant transformation in its strategy. As regulatory pressure mounts with the passing of the GENIUS Act in the U.S., CEO Paolo Ardoino has unveiled ambitious plans to establish Tether as the largest Bitcoin miner globally by the end of 2025. This shift in focus comes amidst the company’s efforts to launch a fully compliant U.S.-based stablecoin in response to increasing regulatory scrutiny.
With the recent passage of the “Genius Act” by the Senate, Paolo Ardoino sees an opportunity for Tether to operate within a global compliance framework for stablecoins, both domestic and international. Tether is working towards aligning its current USDT token with the new regulatory standards while also introducing a new stablecoin tailored specifically for the U.S. market.
In a recent interview on the Bankless podcast with Ryan Sean Adams, Ardoino revealed that Tether is heavily investing in Bitcoin mining, as well as exploring ventures in AI, telecommunications, and data centers. With a substantial $10 billion in Bitcoin holdings, Ardoino emphasized the importance of securing the network that supports Tether’s financial position. By becoming a major player in the mining sector, Tether aims to protect its interests from potential manipulation and centralization risks. Ardoino confidently stated that Tether is on track to become the largest Bitcoin miner by the end of the year.
Despite facing stiff competition from established mining giants like Marathon Digital and Riot Platforms, Tether has made significant strides through partnerships with various Latin American governments, including El Salvador, Paraguay, and Uruguay. With already 15 mining facilities in operation, Tether has invested billions in expanding its mining infrastructure. However, the company has yet to disclose its share of the total Bitcoin hashrate.
While Tether is making strides in the mining sector, it is also grappling with new regulatory challenges in the U.S. The GENIUS Act, enacted in June 2025, requires stablecoin issuers to maintain full reserve backing, adhere to AML/KYC compliance, and ensure transparency. Tether has a limited timeframe of 18 to 36 months to comply with these regulations or risk being ousted from the U.S. market.
On a positive note, Tether has collaborated with the U.S. Department of Justice to freeze illicit funds using its blockchain monitoring systems. The company has worked with over 250 law enforcement agencies globally, establishing a strong track record in the crypto industry.
Looking ahead, Tether faces a crucial decision in either revamping USDT to meet U.S. regulatory standards, launching a new regulated stablecoin, or exiting the American market altogether. Meanwhile, competitors like USDC and RLUSD are poised to capitalize on any missteps by Tether. It is evident that Tether is no longer just a stablecoin issuer but a major player making significant bets on Bitcoin’s infrastructure.