Tether in Talks to Raise Up to $20 Billion, Eyeing $500 Billion Valuation

Crypto giant Tether, issuer of the world’s largest stablecoin USDT, is reportedly in discussions to raise as much as $20 billion through a private placement that could value the El Salvador-based company at around $500 billion, according to Bloomberg.

The fundraising effort is said to target between $15 billion and $20 billion for roughly a 3% stake in the company. However, sources noted these figures represent the higher end of expectations, and the final amount raised — as well as Tether’s eventual valuation — will depend on investor demand and the size of the stake offered.

Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino confirmed on X that the company is considering a raise from a small group of “high-profile key investors,” though he did not share specific details.

Currently, Tether’s USDT stablecoin holds a market capitalization of about $173 billion (CoinGecko), cementing the firm’s dominance in the stablecoin market. By providing digital tokens pegged to traditional currencies, Tether enables traders and institutions to minimize volatility and seamlessly transfer value across crypto markets.

The company has also been expanding its footprint. In August, Tether appointed Bo Hines, a former White House crypto policy executive, as strategic adviser to strengthen its growth in the United States, a region where digital asset firms are benefiting from President Donald Trump’s pro-crypto stance. In line with its U.S. push, Tether recently revealed plans to launch a U.S.-based stablecoin called USAT, designed specifically for American users.

Meanwhile, Tether’s main competitor, Circle, went public in June through a highly anticipated IPO, underscoring the growing mainstream acceptance and investor appetite for stablecoin companies.

With its potential multibillion-dollar raise and expansion into new markets, Tether is positioning itself as a cornerstone player in the future of global digital payments and blockchain-based finance.