Tether Invests $775 Million in Rumble Amid EU Crackdown on USDT

Market participants warn the move risks dampening liquidity and investor interest just as the United States signals a more lenient stance toward digital assets

The European Union's (EU) impending Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) legislation is set to drastically alter the landscape of digital asset trading within the bloc. As the year draws to a close, the EU is ramping up pressure on crypto exchanges to comply with the new regulatory framework by December 30. Among other stipulations, MiCA mandates that stablecoins offered on centralized exchanges be issued by entities holding e-money licenses. This requirement has placed the world's largest stablecoin provider, Tether Holdings Ltd., in a precarious position, as it has yet to obtain such a license.

As a result, several exchanges have already begun phasing out USDT trading pairs in the EU. In April, OKX, one of the world's leading crypto exchanges, removed USDT pairs from its European platform. According to Erald Ghoos, OKX's Europe CEO, clients have largely shifted back to trading fiat pairs following the move.

"I was quite surprised by that, to be honest," Ghoos said, regarding traders' willingness to adapt. "It's less efficient for them, but they're adapting."

The move by the EU to increase oversight and curb illicit activities in the crypto markets is understandable. However, some industry insiders argue that the measures could inadvertently erode the region's competitive edge in the burgeoning digital asset landscape.

"It could limit the EU's appeal to global traders, especially considering that traders in the region are accustomed to the liquidity and stability provided by USDT," said Usman Ahmad, CEO of Zodia Markets Holdings, a crypto trading firm backed by Standard Chartered Plc.

Stablecoins, typically pegged to traditional currencies like the U.S. dollar or euro, serve as fundamental instruments in digital markets. They enable traders to swiftly enter and exit crypto positions or move funds across borders at lower costs compared to fiat currencies. In recent years, stablecoins have also gained traction among firms for settlement and payments, as well as for investors experimenting with tokenized versions of traditional assets.

However, stablecoins have faced mounting scrutiny over their potential misuse in illicit activities. Earlier this month, UK authorities reported shutting down Russian networks suspected of channeling billions of dollars for oligarchs and spies, partly using USDT. Tether has stated that it "unequivocally" condemns the criminal use of its tokens and remains committed to fighting illicit activity.

Circle Internet Financial Ltd., Tether's main competitor, secured an e-money license in July, enabling it to continue operating its USD Coin (USDC) in the EU. For many traders, the delisting of USDT translates to fewer liquid trading pairs, which could drive up costs.

"Forcing investors to shift away from USDT pairs may cause disruptions and higher transaction expenses," said Pascal St-Jean, CEO of crypto asset manager 3iQ Corp.

At the same time, the geopolitical landscape is shifting. After years of regulatory clampdowns by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, President-elect Donald Trump's pro-crypto stance and key appointments suggest a more permissive environment. His victory last month sparked a crypto rally that pushed Bitcoin above $100,000 for the first time, with investors betting on fewer regulatory hurdles in the U.S.

The contrast is stark: Venture investment in European crypto startups is on track to hit a four-year low in 2024, while North America shows signs of revival. Though a European Central Bank survey indicates crypto ownership within the euro area has more than doubled since 2022, officials cautioned that the true figure remains modest.

Meanwhile, Tether, the leading company in the digital asset industry, has announced a strategic investment of $775 million in Rumble, a prominent video-sharing platform and cloud services provider. This investment comprises a $250 million cash infusion to support Rumble's growth initiatives and a tender offer for up to 70 million shares at $7.50 per share. Following the transaction, Rumble's Chairman and CEO, Chris Pavlovski, will maintain his controlling stake in the company.

"This investment reflects our shared values of decentralization, independence, transparency and free expression," said Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether. "The collaboration aligns with Tether's commitment to empowering technologies that promote freedom and challenge centralized systems."

Chris Pavlovski, Rumble's Chairman and CEO, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the strong connection between the cryptocurrency and free speech communities, both of which are passionate about freedom and decentralization. He also noted that the $250 million cash addition to Rumble's balance sheet will fuel growth initiatives as the company pursues EBITDA breakeven by 2025.

"We are excited to announce this partnership with Tether, a leading and trusted brand in the digital asset industry," Pavlovski said. "The strong connection between the cryptocurrency and free speech communities and a shared passion for freedom and decentralization brought us together in this partnership."