Tether, a prominent stablecoin issuer, has clarified its position on Bitcoin holdings, strongly denying any sell-offs. The company’s CEO, Paolo Ardoino, emphasized their commitment to investing profits into secure assets, including Bitcoin, gold, and real estate, in response to what he described as a deteriorating global environment. This strategy underscores Tether's long-term vision for diversification and stability, aiming to bolster its portfolio with tangible and reliable investments rather than liquidating existing crypto assets. This strategic pivot comes amidst speculation regarding their Bitcoin reserves, which Ardoino and other industry leaders have diligently addressed, highlighting the actual increases in their Bitcoin holdings over recent periods.
Tether's Strategic Asset Accumulation Amidst Global Uncertainties
On Sunday, September 7, 2025, Paolo Ardoino, the CEO of Tether, publicly addressed and debunked rumors circulating that Tether was divesting its Bitcoin holdings. In a statement posted on X, Ardoino clarified that far from selling, Tether had strategically contributed a portion of its Bitcoin assets to Twenty One, an emerging public company centered on Bitcoin. This entity is anticipated to list on Nasdaq under the ticker “XXI,” following a pending merger that will grant Tether a controlling stake.
Ardoino reiterated Tether’s unwavering resolve to allocate a segment of its earnings into resilient assets such as Bitcoin, physical gold, and land. This decision reflects a cautious outlook on the global economic landscape, which he described as increasingly uncertain. His remarks directly countered claims made by a market commentator, Clive Thompson, who had inferred a reduction in Tether’s Bitcoin reserves between the first and second quarters of 2025, suggesting a shift towards gold. This inference was also challenged by Samson Mow, CEO of JAN3, who affirmed that Tether had not engaged in any Bitcoin sales for gold.
Mow further elaborated, detailing that Tether transferred 14,000 BTC to Twenty One in June, with an additional 5,800 BTC moved in July. This accounting indicates a net increase of at least 10,424 BTC in Tether’s holdings by the end of Q2 2025, a stark contrast to any notion of reduction. As of the latest available data, Tether possesses 100,521 BTC, valued at approximately $11.67 billion, solidifying its standing as one of the largest private holders of Bitcoin globally.
This clarification aligns with Tether’s broader initiative to explore and invest in the gold sector, a move that Ardoino has previously termed as a pursuit of “natural Bitcoin.” The company has been in discussions with various mining entities and investment firms to identify opportunities throughout the gold supply chain, from extraction and refinement to trading and royalty agreements. This diversification strategy aims to leverage profits from its cryptocurrency operations into more traditional, yet equally robust, asset classes, reinforcing its financial resilience.
Reflecting on Tether's Prudent Asset Management
Tether's proactive and transparent communication regarding its Bitcoin strategy offers a valuable lesson in corporate responsibility and market clarity. In an often volatile cryptocurrency landscape, the stablecoin issuer's decision to fortify its reserves with diverse and robust assets like Bitcoin, gold, and land demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to risk management. This move not only dispels unfounded rumors but also sets a precedent for how digital asset companies can build confidence and ensure long-term viability by adopting sound investment principles, especially in times of global economic uncertainty.