Tether Holdings Ltd. Reports a Staggering $13 Billion Profit for 2024

The stablecoin market has experienced exponential growth during the ongoing crypto bull run, with Tether at the forefront of this surge.

Stablecoin issuer Tether Holdings Ltd. has reported a staggering $13 billion profit for 2024, rendering the company as profitable as some of Wall Street’s top investment banks. This remarkable earnings highlight the booming demand for stablecoins, particularly Tether’s USDT token, which saw its market capitalization soar to an impressive $143 billion during the year. However, despite these remarkable earnings, Tether continues to face criticism due to its lack of full transparency and comprehensive audits, raising concerns among regulators and financial analysts.

Tether’s Impressive Financial Growth Amid Crypto Bull Market

The stablecoin market has experienced exponential growth during the ongoing crypto bull run, with Tether at the forefront of this surge. In the final quarter of 2024 alone, Tether issued a staggering $23 billion in USDT, underscoring the soaring demand for stablecoins as more investors turn to these digital assets for stability in an otherwise volatile market.

Tether’s substantial profits are also attributed to its expanding treasury holdings, which include over $113 billion in U.S. government bonds, both direct and indirect. The company’s growing exposure to U.S. treasury bonds provides a steady stream of interest income, contributing significantly to its profitability. Tether claims to have more than $7 billion in surplus reserves, further solidifying its position as a dominant player in the stablecoin market.

Transparency Issues and Growing Scrutiny

Despite Tether’s impressive financial performance, the company’s lack of transparency remains a major concern. Tether does not release audited annual financial reports, instead opting to publish quarterly attestations via BDO, a global accounting firm. These attestations offer only a snapshot of the company’s financial status, leaving many questions unanswered regarding the quality and liquidity of Tether’s reserves.

This opacity has sparked concerns among regulators, market participants, and analysts, who remain uncertain about Tether’s ability to meet significant redemption requests during times of market instability. The absence of a full audit raises questions about the stability of Tether’s reserves and its long-term sustainability, especially as the scrutiny surrounding stablecoins continues to intensify.

Tether’s Ties to the U.S. Financial Sector

Tether’s influence within the American financial ecosystem was highlighted recently during the confirmation hearing of Howard Lutnick, the CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald LP, a major financial institution with ties to Tether. Lutnick revealed that Cantor Fitzgerald holds a convertible bond with Tether and expressed support for the idea of stablecoins like USDT operating independently.

This revelation has further brought attention to Tether’s connections to the U.S. financial world, especially as regulators examine the role of stablecoins in the broader financial system. While Tether’s presence in the U.S. market remains limited, its partnership with influential financial players, such as Cantor Fitzgerald, suggests that the company may continue to expand its influence within traditional finance.

Tether Moves to El Salvador

In a strategic move to bolster its global presence, Tether has officially relocated its legal headquarters to El Salvador, a country known for its crypto-friendly stance. As of January 2025, Tether International SA has become the sole official issuer of USDT, further solidifying the company’s commitment to operating within the burgeoning crypto ecosystem in El Salvador.

This relocation also signals Tether’s desire to strengthen its foothold in a nation that has positioned itself as a leader in crypto adoption. El Salvador made headlines in 2021 by becoming the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, and now Tether’s decision to base its operations there reflects the growing importance of El Salvador in the global crypto landscape.

Tether’s Continued Dominance in the Stablecoin Market

With a record profit of $13 billion and a market capitalization of $143 billion, Tether remains a dominant force in the stablecoin market. However, as stablecoins gain increasing attention from regulators, particularly in the U.S., the need for greater transparency and clearer financial disclosures has become a pressing issue. While Tether’s impressive financial results showcase its ability to capitalize on the growing demand for stablecoins, questions surrounding its reserves and regulatory compliance continue to cast a shadow over its future.

As global governments and regulators continue to scrutinize the role of stablecoins in the financial ecosystem, Tether’s ability to address these transparency concerns will be crucial to maintaining its leadership position in the market.