Bitcoin may be dominated by ETFs in the headlines, but one of the largest buyers over the past year isn’t an exchange-traded fund at all – it’s Tether.
The stablecoin operator has been steadily adding to its treasury, scooping up more than 27,000 BTC in the last twelve months alone.
According to data shared by CEO Paolo Ardoino, part of the allocation went straight into USDT’s reserves, while the bulk was funneled into a separate vehicle, Twenty One Capital, which Tether uses to manage longer-term digital asset positions. This approach gives the company both immediate backing for its stablecoin and a separate investment arm designed to grow over time.
Outpacing ETFs – Except the Giants
That level of buying power puts Tether ahead of several U.S. spot ETF products — including those from VanEck, Bitwise, Ark 21Shares, and WisdomTree. Only the heaviest hitters, such as BlackRock’s IBIT, Fidelity’s FBTC, and Grayscale’s downsized trust, have absorbed more Bitcoin during the same period. With 100,521 BTC now on its books, worth roughly $11.3 billion, Tether ranks as the third-largest corporate holder worldwide.
A Structured Policy and Growing Scrutiny
Unlike many firms that buy Bitcoin opportunistically, Tether has a standing rule dating back to May 2023: 15% of its quarterly profits go into BTC. The decision effectively turned Bitcoin into a permanent fixture of the company’s balance sheet, a policy that distinguishes it from most peers in the fintech sector.
Still, the strategy has drawn skepticism. Some critics pointed to changes in Tether’s public asset disclosures and speculated that it sold billions in BTC to purchase gold. Ardoino pushed back, clarifying that coins had been moved into Twenty One Capital rather than liquidated. He also stressed that diversification remains part of the plan, with reserves spread across Bitcoin, gold, and even real estate.
More Than Just a Stablecoin Operator
While Tether is known globally as the issuer of USDT, its role in Bitcoin accumulation signals something broader. The company is positioning itself not just as a liquidity provider for crypto markets, but also as a long-term investor with a structured treasury strategy. As ETF giants and corporate treasuries compete for supply, Tether’s quiet but consistent buying underscores how demand for Bitcoin is expanding well beyond traditional investment vehicles.
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Alex is an experienced financial journalist and cryptocurrency enthusiast. With over 8 years of experience covering the crypto, blockchain, and fintech industries, he is well-versed in the complex and ever-evolving world of digital assets. His insightful and thought-provoking articles provide readers with a clear picture of the latest developments and trends in the market. His approach allows him to break down complex ideas into accessible and in-depth content. Follow his publications to stay up to date with the most important trends and topics.
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