Tether, the issuer of the stablecoin USDT, has acquired 8,888 Bitcoin (BTC) worth $618 million, boosting its BTC holdings to 75,354 BTC, valued at $5.2 billion, an increase of 128%. This acquisition positions Tether as the seventh-largest Bitcoin holder globally, with holdings of over 248,597 BTC, worth $17.31 billion, amid growing institutional interest in Bitcoin.
Tether Acquires 8,888 Bitcoin, Enlarging Its Crypto Holdings
On March 31, 2023, Tether Operations Limited, the issuer of the leading stablecoin Tether (USDT), made a strategic acquisition of 8,888 Bitcoin (BTC), bolstering its substantial Bitcoin reserves. These Bitcoins, valued at approximately $618 million at the time of purchase, significantly increased Tether's total Bitcoin holdings to an impressive 75,354 BTC.
According to data provided by CoinStats, these Bitcoins were acquired at an average price of $30,305, representing an investment of approximately $2.29 billion. As of the time of writing, the value of these Bitcoins has appreciated significantly to approximately $5.2 billion, resulting in a substantial unrealized profit of $2.94 billion, an impressive 128% increase in portfolio value.
This acquisition comes at a time when institutional interest in Bitcoin has surged, fueled by the recent approval of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the United States and the impending Bitcoin halving, an event that is expected to reduce the supply of new Bitcoins. Tether's strategic move has propelled the company into the ranks of the world's top Bitcoin holders, with its current holdings placing it as the seventh-largest holder globally.
In addition to its recent acquisition, Tether has previously declared its intention to allocate approximately 15% of its net profit to Bitcoin investments, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to diversifying the backing assets of its stablecoins and providing stability and transparency for USDT holders.
Tether's announcement of its Bitcoin acquisition has been received with mixed reactions within the cryptocurrency community. Some industry observers have praised the company for its commitment to Bitcoin and for providing additional support to the cryptocurrency's ecosystem. However, others have expressed concerns about the potential risks associated with holding such a large concentration of Bitcoin, particularly in light of the cryptocurrency's volatility.
Despite these concerns, Tether remains committed to its long-term strategy of investing in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to strengthen the backing of USDT and provide confidence to its users. The company's acquisition of 8,888 Bitcoin is a testament to its belief in the future of Bitcoin and its growing role in the global financial system.
