Tether’s USDT Surge Highlights Unmatched Dominance in the Stablecoin Market

Tether's USDT, the largest stablecoin, continues to strengthen its market position, with its market capitalization nearing $120 billion for the first time.

This week, Tether issued an additional $1 billion in USDT on the Ethereum blockchain, bringing its total cap to approximately $119 billion. Over the past year, the company has minted $35 billion in USDT, solidifying its lead over Circle’s USDC, which holds less than a third of Tether’s market share.

As of Q2 2024, Tether manages over $97 billion in U.S. Treasuries and repurchase agreements, making it the 18th largest holder of U.S. Treasuries globally, surpassing countries like Germany and the UAE.

The rise of stablecoins has made them essential in various markets, especially in places like Nigeria, where they are increasingly used for transactions and savings. Tether’s user base now exceeds 350 million, contributing to its significant profitability, with over $400 million reported in earnings in the past month.

Tether has also diversified its operations into sectors such as agriculture, finance, data, and education, aiming to enhance USDT distribution while exploring investments in AI and Bitcoin mining. However, the company faces ongoing scrutiny regarding its business model and reserve transparency, raising concerns among market observers about potential risks to users.