info

Tether

USDT
Key Metrics
Tether Price
$0.999892
0.02%
Change 1w
0.01%
24h Volume
$29,952,778,804
Market Cap
$118,181,983,731
Circulating Supply
118,195,386,570

What is USDT?

USDT, a.k.a Tether, is a stablecoin designed to maintain 1:1 peg with the U. S. dollar. This means that every USDT should be supported by USD or a different asset held by Tether Limited. You can think of it as electronic money that is equivalent to the dollar bills in your pockets.

What Problem Does USDT Solve?

USDT provides a solution to the high volatility problem, which is much of a characteristic of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Huge price swings are very risky for traders and investors, and USDT provides a sense of stability that reduces this risk factor, as it has a specific value through which it can be traded, used to make payments or store value.

Why Does the Crypto Market Need USDT?

Crypto market needs USDT for several reasons: Stability: USDT provides a stable asset during periods of high volatility. Liquidity: With USDT comes much liquidity, facilitating efficient trading across various platforms. Fiat Gateway: The use of USDT simplifies the exchange between crypto and fiat currencies, making transactions smoother and faster.

History of USDT

Tether, or, as it was called earlier, Realcoin, was created in 2014. Initially deployed on the Bitcoin blockchain utilizing the Omni Layer solution, the token later spread to almost every existing blockchain, including Ethereum, Tron, and Solana, which contributed to a sharp increase in the popularity and market capitalization of USDT. The idea was apparently to develop an asset by blending the characteristics of blockchain with the stable value of the U.S. Dollar. USDT, as a digital trade currency, has become essential in trading within the crypto market, boosting crypto usage.

Who Created USDT?

Craig Sellars, Reeve Collins, and Brock Pierce founded USDT.  They had an idea for a stable cryptocurrency that would connect the worlds of traditional finance and the emerging cryptocurrency space. Due to their forethought, USDT is now an essential component of the cryptocurrency environment, facilitating more predictable and seamless transactions. USDT was launched by Tether Limited, which is closely associated with the cryptocurrency exchange Bitfinex.

What Technology Does USDT Use and How Does It Work?

USDT operates on multiple blockchain platforms. Originally deployed on the Bitcoin blockchain and since issued on Ethereum (ERC-20), Tron (TRC-20), Solana, and others. This multi-chain approach ensures wider accessibility and integration with various blockchain ecosystems. Each USDT token is backed by reserves held by Tether Limited, which ensures its 1:1 peg with the U.S. dollar. Think of it as a digital representation of the dollar that can travel across different digital highways.

Why and How Does USDT Maintain a 1:1 USD Peg?

USDT uses a reserve scheme to keep its 1:1 peg in place. Tether Limited maintains an equivalent amount of U.S. dollars in reserve for each USDT token that is issued. This peg is kept in place with the aid of public reporting and frequent audits. Tether maintains openness and confidence by disclosing the makeup of its reserves in quarterly attestations.

How Many Tokens of USDT Are There?

As of the most recent reports, approximately 73 billion USDT tokens are in circulation. To meet market demand, Tether issues new tokens or burns old ones, so this figure may change. What is the Maximum Supply of USDT? USDT does not have a fixed maximum supply. Tether's supply is dynamic and can be adjusted based on the USD deposited with Tether Limited. This flexibility allows Tether to meet the changing market demands.

What is USDT Utility?

USDT serves multiple functions in the crypto ecosystem: Trading Pair: It's used as a trading pair on crypto exchanges. Remittances: USDT facilitates quick and low-cost international money transfers. DeFi: It's critical to different decentralized finance (DeFi) applications for lending, borrowing, and providing liquidity.

Tokenomics of USDT

USDT operates on a full-reserve model, meaning fiat reserves fully back each token. This model ensures stability and confidence in USDT's value. Tether Limited manages the issuance and redemption of USDT, maintaining transparency through regular audits. This is crucial for keeping trust in USDT's value and its role as a stablecoin.

What is the All-Time High and All-Time Low for USDT?

The highest price paid for USDT was $1.32, recorded on July 24, 2018, and the lowest was $0.5725 on March 2, 2015. These values highlight rare examples of USDT shifting significantly from its 1:1 USD peg.

Where to Buy USDT?

You can buy USDT on almost all major cryptocurrency exchanges, including Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, and others. It is also available on decentralized exchanges (DEXs) such as Uniswap and Sushiswap.

Who Invested in USDT at an Early Stage?

Early-stage investors in Tether (USDT) are not documented. However, its close association with Bitfinex suggests significant initial backing from entities involved in the exchange's operations. Bitfinex and Tether share the same parent company, iFinex Inc.

What is the Income Source of USDT?

Tether Limited generates income via several channels: Issuance Fees: Fees charged for issuing and redeeming USDT tokens. Investments: Earnings from investing the reserves in instruments like U.S. Treasuries and other financial products. Transaction Fees: Fees from transactions and transfers involving USDT.

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Latest News
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Tether Scraps Plans to Launch Its Own Blockchain for USDT, Sticks to Ethereum and TRON
Aug 26, 2024
Tether Holdings, the big cheese behind USDT, has ditched plans to launch its own blockchain. The move comes as the market bursts at the seams with existing chains. Paolo Ardoino, Tether's CEO, spilled the beans to Bloomberg News. He reckons the market's already jam-packed. "We're tech whizzes, but blockchains will be a dime a dozen soon," Ardoino quipped. The stablecoin giant's decision stems from supply and demand principles. Ardoino pointed out that several top-notch blockchains already exist. USDT, with a $117 billion market cap, is a key player in global crypto trading and remittances. Tether's deep pockets could've easily funded a new blockchain. But market data backs their choice to hold off. DefiLlama shows the top five chains control about 86% of total locked assets across 306 chains. Ethereum leads the pack. It boasts $87.7 billion in total value locked (TVL) out of $133.2 billion across all chains. TRON isn't far behind. It manages $8.1 billion in TVL and supports 49% of USDT's supply. Blockchain success hinges on speed, low fees, use cases, and security. Ethereum's dominance stems from its first-mover advantage and flexibility for developers. The blockchain world has evolved into a multichain environment. Developers and issuers spread their activities across various platforms. Tether's focus remains on USDT's security and sustainability. "For us, blockchains are just transport layers," Ardoino stated. Concerns about USDT's backing assets persist in the crypto world. A recent UN report flagged Tron's popularity in cyber fraud and money laundering in Southeast Asia. Tether has dismissed these claims. They stress their cooperation with law enforcement and token traceability. Earlier this year, Tether partnered with Fuze to boost digital asset education in Turkey and the Middle East. The duo aims to tackle various aspects of digital asset education. In July, Tether introduced a new payment option in the Philippines. It allows people to pay social security contributions using USDT. The SSS is a state-run social insurance program. It supports employees in both formal and informal sectors.
Tether Pumps Out Another Billion USDT on Tron Network
Aug 22, 2024
Tether's just dropped a bombshell. The stablecoin issuer minted $1 billion USDT on the Tron network. This move brings their total minted tokens in the past year to a whopping $33 billion. Blockchain data spilled the beans on August 20. Tether created the tokens and sent them to its treasury wallet. Lookonchain, an on-chain analytics platform, crunched the numbers. The platform revealed some eye-opening stats. Tether's been busy. They've minted $33 billion in stablecoins over the last year. That's no small change. The breakdown is interesting. Tron network saw 19 billion USDT tokens minted. Ethereum wasn't far behind with 14 billion. This latest mint follows a similar move on Ethereum. On August 13, Whale Alert flagged a $1 billion transaction there too. Talk about déjà vu. Tether's CEO, Paolo Ardoino, chimed in on X. He called the Ethereum transaction a "USDT inventory replenish". It's authorized but not issued yet. What does that mean? Well, it's like restocking shelves. Tether's getting ready for future demand. They're creating USDT to meet upcoming issuance requests and chain swaps. Tether's staying mum on the Tron mint. But it's likely serving the same purpose as the Ethereum one. They're probably running low on USDT on Tron. Their Transparency page backs this up. As of August 19, Tether had only $36 million USDT tokens on Tron that were "authorized but not issued". Demand's looking strong on Tron. Speaking of Tron, it's leading the stablecoin supply market. Coin Metrics data from August 16 shows it commands 37.9% of the total market share. That's over $61 billion in stablecoins. Not too shabby. This move by Tether is raising eyebrows in the crypto world. It's a clear sign of growing demand for USDT, especially on the Tron network. As the stablecoin market continues to evolve, all eyes will be on Tether's next moves.
Celsius Network Launches Massive Bitcoin Recovery Lawsuit Against Tether
Aug 12, 2024
Celsius Network is going after Tether. The bankrupt crypto lender filed a lawsuit demanding the return of $3.35 billion worth of Bitcoin. And beyond any doubt, this is a story that might have an unpredictable outcome with a massive influence on the market. The legal drama kicked off in New York's Southern District court. Celsius wants its Bitcoin back, pronto. Here's the lowdown: Celsius transferred 39,542.42 BTC to Tether as collateral. That's a whopping $2.31 billion at current prices. But that's not all. The lender is also after another 17,886.22 BTC, worth about $1.05 billion. Celsius claims Tether used the assets to pay off outstanding loans. They say it happened when Celsius was going belly-up. The lender's lawyers aren't pulling any punches. They're calling it a "preferential transfer" under bankruptcy law. "These transfers should be avoided and recovered," Celsius's legal team stated. They want Tether to cough up damages too. Tether's not taking this lying down, in case you wondered, as they've resolutely dismissed the lawsuit as a "meritless shakedown." That implies they are going to stand their ground. "The complaint is undermined by actual facts," Tether fired back. They're planning to duke it out in court. This legal tussle is shaping up to be a real crypto slugfest. It's anyone's guess how it'll play out. The crypto world is watching closely. This case could set some serious precedents for the industry. As the drama unfolds, one thing's clear: there's no love lost between these former crypto allies.
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Top 5 Most Underrated Stablecoins in 2024
Aug 27, 2024
Stablecoins may be the secondary product of the global crypto philosophy. But, as of now, they are the blood of the crypto market. USDT and USDC are becoming default options for fast value transfer around the globe. But the fascinating corner of the crypto market called 'stablecoins' isn't limited to these two behemots. Other stablecoins continue to emerge. Let's talk about some of them, new and obviously underrated. Stablecoins act as a critical bridge between volatile digital assets and traditional fiat currencies. Stablecoins offer the stability of fiat currency with the transactional efficiency and flexibility of cryptocurrencies, making them indispensable for both individual users and institutions. In 2024, the stablecoin market has continued to assert its importance within the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem. If you want an impressive figure, here is one for you. The stablecoin market now holds a combined capitalization exceeding whopping $150 billion. This reflects their widespread adoption and utility in financial transactions, remittances, and decentralized finance (DeFi). Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) remain the dominant forces, holding approximately $113 billion and $33 billion in market capitalization, respectively. These two giants account for the vast majority of stablecoin trading volume, serving as the primary quote assets on major cryptocurrency exchanges. USDT continues to be favored for its liquidity and widespread acceptance across various blockchain platforms. Tron is now considered to be fastest way to complete transactions with minimal fees, yet many USDT users still stick to Ethereum blockhain. USDC is often chosen for its regulatory compliance and transparency in reserve management. If you want your transactions to be completely legal in the most demanding environment, USDC might be better choice for you. Together, they are utilized in a myriad of applications, from hedging against market volatility to facilitating cross-border payments and providing liquidity in DeFi platforms. Despite their dominance, a new wave of lesser-known stablecoins is emerging, offering unique features and benefits that cater to niche markets and specific use cases. These emerging stablecoins provide alternatives that are not just diversified by their backing assets but also by the technological innovations they bring to the table. Here, we explore the top five most underrated stablecoins in 2024 that are worth considering for transactions and risk management. These stablecoins, while not as popular as USDT or USDC, offer distinct advantages in terms of security, transparency, and potential for yield generation. Ranked by market cap, each of these stablecoins presents a unique proposition, whether through innovative use of technology, regulatory assurances, or a blend of assets backing their value. Edelcoin (EDLC) With a market cap of approximately $6.21 billion, Edelcoin stands out as the most valuable among the lesser-known stablecoins. And there is a reason for that. Unlike many stablecoins backed by fiat currencies, Edelcoin is pegged to a basket of precious metals, including gold, silver, and platinum. This diversification provides an added layer of security and stability, particularly appealing in times of economic uncertainty. As well as guarantees staggering interest to Edelcoin from an army of those who wish their crypto to be as distant from fiat money as possible. Owning some Edelcoin you pay your respect to the fortunes the planet gives us, the humanity, they say. Edelcoin operates on a custom blockchain that utilizes proof-of-reserve technology to verify its asset backing in real-time, ensuring transparency and trust among users. The issuer behind Edelcoin, Precious Digital AG, has partnered with leading bullion dealers to manage its metal reserves securely. This stablecoin is particularly popular among investors looking to hedge against inflation while maintaining the liquidity benefits of digital currencies. Ethena USDe (USDe) Ethena USDe is a totally different animal. It's not trying to be eco-friendly, but appeals to those ho believes in the great power of math. How's so? Well, this Ethereum-based stablecoin has chosen an interesting path. With a market capitalization of around $2.92 billion, Ethena USDe is designed to maintain a stable value through an innovative mix of algorithmic and collateralized mechanisms. It uses a combination of crypto assets and decentralized algorithms to adjust its supply dynamically in response to market conditions, striving to maintain a 1:1 peg with the U.S. dollar. So in fact it equals one USD, just as Tether's USDT always strives to, yet it does it in its own manner. USDe’s hybrid model provides a decentralized alternative to fully fiat-backed stablecoins, reducing reliance on centralized entities. The issuer, Ethena Labs, has been proactive in ensuring regulatory compliance while fostering an open-source development community. This has led to increased adoption in decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystems, where users leverage USDe for yield farming, lending, and borrowing. Pax Dollar (USDP) Issued by Paxos Trust Company, the Pax Dollar (USDP) has a market cap nearing $1 billion. USDP is a fiat-collateralized stablecoin, fully backed by U.S. dollar reserves held in FDIC-insured banks. What sets USDP apart from other stablecoins is its stringent regulatory compliance, being one of the few stablecoins approved by the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS). Yes, it's the stablecoin that Uncle Sam has no problems with. At all. Paxos does here all the gestures it does with its other products, like PaxGold, the Gold-backed stablecoin. I.e. it provides monthly attestation reports from third-party auditors to ensure transparency regarding its reserves, fostering user confidence. The stablecoin also integrates with a variety of blockchain platforms, including Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain, making it versatile for various financial applications from cross-border payments to DeFi. TrueUSD (TUSD) Here is another stablecoin that is trying to be 'holier than the Pope of Vatican'. And that's hardly even a joke. Our next hero is the Paxos's arch enemy and the closes rival in terms of ideology. TrueUSD (TUSD) currently holds a market cap of approximately $495 million. It distinguishes itself with a focus on legal protections and frequent attestations, positioning itself as one of the most transparent stablecoins available. Each TUSD token is backed 1:1 by U.S. dollars held in escrow accounts managed by multiple trust companies, providing an added layer of security against potential liquidity crises. TrueUSD is compatible with several blockchains, such as Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, and TRON, enhancing its utility across different ecosystems. It has seen significant growth in decentralized finance platforms due to its high liquidity and trustworthiness. Recently, TrueUSD announced a partnership with a major auditing firm to provide real-time audits, further enhancing its commitment to transparency. Frax (FRAX) Another solution that shows the power of math on the vast fields of blockchain. Frax, with a market cap of around $647 million, represents a unique entry into the stablecoin market as the first fractional-algorithmic stablecoin. Not so many of us can even understand what that definition means, without googling it up, right? Unlike other fully collateralized stablecoins, Frax maintains its stability through a combination of collateral (mainly USDC) and an algorithmic mechanism that adjusts supply based on demand. This unusual design allows it to be partially collateralized while maintaining its peg to the U.S. dollar. Frax operates on the Ethereum blockchain, integrating deeply with various DeFi protocols where it is used for trading, lending, and yield farming. The Frax ecosystem also includes its governance token, FXS, which plays a role in maintaining the protocol’s stability. Frax’s innovative approach to stability has made it popular among DeFi enthusiasts, and its model has been resilient during periods of high market volatility.
10 Best Wallets to Hold USDT in 2024
Jul 01, 2024
Holding USDT, a popular stablecoin, requires choosing the right wallet. There are myriads of crypto wallets to choose from, and most of them claim to fully support Tether's USDT, the most popular stablecoin in the world. How to choose the wallet that is right for you in 2024? Here we will try to explore the best wallets for holding USDT. We will cover security features, differences between custodial and non-custodial wallets, exchange versus personal wallets, and finally we will come up with the cherry on a top - our own rating of the top wallets available for USDT. What is USDT? USDT, or Tether, is a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, providing stability in the volatile cryptocurrency market. Selecting the right wallet to hold USDT is crucial for ensuring security, accessibility, and convenience. This essay will guide you through the essential aspects of choosing a USDT wallet and provide a rating of the top wallets in 2024. Security Features Importance of Security Security is paramount when choosing a wallet for USDT. With increasing cyber threats, it’s essential to understand the security measures each wallet offers. You wouldn't want to lose any of your savings, would you? Securing your crypto doesn't require any special hacker-like knowledge. You don't need coding skills or digital security expertise. All you need is paying attention to some ground rules while choosing the crypto wallet. Some of this basic knowledge is basically the same as with many other IT-services. Common Security Features Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification. Encryption: Ensures data is protected by converting it into a code that can only be read with a key. Cold Storage: Offline storage that protects funds from online hacks. Multi-Signature (Multi-Sig): Requires multiple keys to authorize a transaction, reducing the risk of unauthorized access. Biometric Authentication: Uses fingerprints or facial recognition for secure access. Custodial vs. Non-Custodial Wallets Here is the moment of truth. Let's try to solve one of the most epical questions since the beginning of crypto. Which wallets are better - custodial or non-custodial. Custodial Wallets Custodial wallets are managed by third-party services. The provider holds the private keys, offering convenience but requiring trust in the service. Advantages: Ease of Use: User-friendly interfaces and features. Customer Support: Assistance available for issues. Backup and Recovery: Simplified processes for recovering lost access. Disadvantages: Control: Users do not have full control over their private keys. Security Risks: Centralized control can be a target for hackers. Non-Custodial Wallets Non-custodial wallets provide users with full control over their private keys, enhancing security and autonomy. Advantages: Full Control: Users manage their private keys, ensuring complete control over their funds. Enhanced Security: Reduced risk of centralized attacks. Privacy: Greater privacy as there is no third-party involvement. Disadvantages: Responsibility: Users are responsible for their own security and backup. Complexity: May require a higher level of technical knowledge. In fact, if you are a novice investor with some relatively small amounts of crypto holdings and USDT savings, it might be a good idea to start with a simple custodial wallet. Just to get familiar with the world of crypto. Yet, as soon as we are talking about some substantial amounts of USDT - think of the sum you wouldn't want to lose at the risk of death - you should better be thinking of a non-custodial wallet. Exchange Wallets vs. Personal Wallets A bit of the same discourse here. Use personal wallet or stick to the wallets provided by crypto exchanges? That question goes back a while. Exchange Wallets Exchange wallets are provided by cryptocurrency exchanges, offering integrated trading and storage solutions. Advantages: Convenience: Easy access to trading and storage in one platform. Liquidity: Quick transfer of funds for trading. Features: Additional features like staking, lending, and borrowing. Disadvantages: Security Risks: Centralized exchanges can be prime targets for hackers. Control: Users do not have full control over their funds. Personal Wallets Personal wallets are standalone applications or hardware devices that provide secure storage for cryptocurrencies. Advantages: Security: Enhanced security features like cold storage and multi-sig. Control: Full control over private keys. Flexibility: Supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies and features. Disadvantages: Complexity: May require more effort to set up and manage. Limited Features: May lack some of the advanced features offered by exchanges. Top Wallets for USDT in 2024 Here comes the essence of this article. We picked the absolutely best wallets of different types for you. No matter what your needs are, you can pick a wallet for yourself from our top list, and be sure it will fit your needs perfectly. Ledger Nano X Ledger Nano X is a leading hardware wallet known for its robust security features. Pros: Cold Storage: Keeps private keys offline. Multi-Currency Support: Supports over 1,500 cryptocurrencies. Bluetooth Connectivity: Allows easy connection to mobile devices. Cons: Price: More expensive than software wallets. Complexity: Requires setup and management. Trezor Model T Trezor Model T is another top-tier hardware wallet offering advanced security. Pros: Cold Storage: Secure offline storage. Touchscreen Interface: User-friendly navigation. Open-Source: Transparent and regularly audited. Cons: Price: High cost. Learning Curve: Requires understanding of hardware wallet operations. Exodus Exodus is a popular software wallet with a user-friendly interface. Pros: Ease of Use: Intuitive design suitable for beginners. Multi-Currency Support: Supports multiple cryptocurrencies. Integrated Exchange: Built-in exchange feature. Cons: Security: Less secure than hardware wallets. Custodial Elements: Some features require trust in Exodus. Trust Wallet Trust Wallet is a mobile wallet known for its versatility and security. Pros: Multi-Currency Support: Supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies. Staking: Allows users to earn rewards by staking their assets. Decentralized: Non-custodial wallet providing full control. Cons: Mobile Only: Limited to mobile devices. Security: Less secure than hardware wallets. MyEtherWallet (MEW) MyEtherWallet is a web-based wallet primarily for Ethereum and ERC-20 tokens, including USDT. Pros: Non-Custodial: Full control over private keys. Compatibility: Integrates with hardware wallets for added security. Open-Source: Transparent and community-driven. Cons: Complexity: May be challenging for beginners. Web-Based Risks: Susceptible to phishing attacks. Coinbase Wallet Coinbase Wallet is a mobile wallet with strong integration with the Coinbase exchange. Pros: User-Friendly: Easy setup and navigation. Multi-Currency Support: Supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies. Integration: Seamless connection with Coinbase exchange. Cons: Custodial Risks: Requires trust in Coinbase for some features. Limited Control: Not fully non-custodial. MetaMask MetaMask is a browser extension and mobile wallet primarily for Ethereum and ERC-20 tokens. Pros: Ease of Use: Simple interface suitable for all users. Integration: Compatible with numerous decentralized applications (dApps). Non-Custodial: Full control over private keys. Cons: Security: Browser-based risks. Limited to Ethereum: Primarily supports Ethereum and ERC-20 tokens. Atomic Wallet Atomic Wallet is a decentralized wallet offering extensive features. Pros: Multi-Currency Support: Supports over 500 cryptocurrencies. Atomic Swaps: Enables peer-to-peer exchanges without intermediaries. Non-Custodial: Full control over private keys. Cons: Security: Software wallet security risks. Complexity: Requires some technical knowledge. Binance Wallet Binance Wallet is the wallet service provided by the Binance exchange. Pros: Integration: Seamless connection with Binance exchange. Multi-Currency Support: Supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies. Features: Advanced trading and staking features. Cons: Custodial Risks: Requires trust in Binance. Control: Limited control over private keys. BitPay Wallet BitPay Wallet is a versatile wallet with strong merchant integration. Pros: Merchant Integration: Supports payments to numerous merchants. Multi-Currency Support: Supports multiple cryptocurrencies. Security: Offers non-custodial security features. Cons: Complexity: May be challenging for beginners. Limited Features: Focused more on payments than advanced features. Conclusion Choosing the best wallet for holding USDT involves balancing security, control, and convenience. Hardware wallets like Ledger Nano X and Trezor Model T offer top-notch security but come at a higher cost and complexity. That is definitely not the best choice for a rookie. But it is probably the best choices for a true crypto whale. Or at least, for a whale-wannabe. Software wallets like Exodus and Trust Wallet provide user-friendly interfaces and multi-currency support but are less secure. They are perfect if you operate small amounts of crypto primarily from your smartphone. Exchange wallets offer convenience and integrated features but require trust in the provider. You can easily swap your USDT for any tokens you like or simply sell them for fiat money. That's convenient, but not for holding large amounts of your savings. Ultimately, the best wallet for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. You and only you can decide what matters the most to you. You might prioritize security over the ease of use, or vice verse.