Tether, the company behind USDT, has been quietly but steadily accumulating Bitcoin. In the last quarter of 2025, they acquired 8,888.8888888 BTC, pushing their total to over 96,000 BTC, valued around $8.46 billion. CEO Paolo Ardoino confirmed the acquisition was part of a long-term strategy to diversify their assets and fortify their financial standing.
The Bitcoin buying spree started back in September 2022, but Tether officially announced its plans in May 2023. They committed to allocating 15% of their quarterly net profits to Bitcoin purchases. The focus is on mitigating market volatility while boosting Tether’s overall financial health.
The Gold Factor: Does It Make Tether More Stable?
Aside from Bitcoin, Tether has also been amassing gold. By the third quarter of 2025, they had approximately 116 metric tons of physical gold in their reserves. This move adds a layer of stability to their portfolio, especially given the current economic landscape filled with inflation and market fluctuations.
Adding gold to the mix not only strengthens Tether's financial footing but also improves the reliability of their USDT offerings. In areas grappling with economic instability, this diversification could be crucial for maintaining user trust.
Corporate Treasuries and Crypto: The Challenges Ahead
Companies are increasingly adopting cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin into their treasury management. However, the volatility of these assets is proving to be a major hurdle. The initial excitement around corporate Bitcoin adoption has cooled, especially after the market crash in October 2025, which dented confidence in crypto investments.
Firms that heavily invested in Bitcoin treasuries are now scrambling for stability. Prenetics, which raised funds to build a Bitcoin treasury, announced a pause on further purchases due to market conditions. This situation underscores the necessity for effective governance, risk controls, and liquidity management to balance the potential benefits of crypto investments with the risks of volatility.
How Can Fintech Startups in Asia Manage Crypto Volatility?
For small fintech startups in Asia, managing crypto volatility is essential, especially when integrating stablecoins into payroll systems. Strategies like asset diversification, hedging through derivatives, and strong compliance measures can mitigate risks. Utilizing stablecoins ensures consistent payroll payouts, even when market fluctuations occur.
Stablecoins offer an attractive option for payroll, especially in inflation-prone regions like Argentina. They help protect employees’ purchasing power and enhance overall satisfaction. As more businesses explore stablecoin integration, payroll systems may see a significant shift, opening new avenues for fintech startups and traditional firms alike.
