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USDT Reserves Reach 140 Tons Of Gold

Tether’s reserves for USDT now include a large amount of physical gold—about 140 metric tons.

  1. Tether holds tens of billions of dollars in gold, along with an even larger amount of U.S. Treasury securities, as part of its reserve portfolio.
  2. Adding gold helps diversify reserves but also brings risks related to gold’s price changes and how easily it can be sold, compared to holding only short-term government debt.
  3. For USDT users, the important thing isn’t just the gold itself, but how Tether’s reserve mix, transparency, and redemption practices change over time.

Deep Dive

1. How Big The Gold Position Is

Recent reports on Tether’s reserve breakdown show a significant move into precious metals, mainly gold. One analysis estimates about 130 metric tons of gold worth around $22 billion as part of Tether’s overall gold holdings. This is in addition to gold backing for its XAUt token and other gold-related assets totaling tens of billions of dollars. Another look at Tether’s 2025 balance sheet shows $192.8 billion in total assets, with about 9% in precious metals. Most of the rest is in cash, bank deposits, and U.S. Treasuries—including over $140 billion in Treasuries at one point in 2025.

At current gold prices, 140 metric tons is worth tens of billions of dollars, making gold a significant but still smaller part of Tether’s total reserves, which exceed $190 billion.

What this means: USDT is still mostly backed by dollar assets like U.S. Treasuries, but gold is now an important secondary part of the reserves.

2. Why Tether Uses Gold And The Trade-Offs

Tether says it added gold to diversify its reserves, so it’s not relying on just one market. Gold is widely seen as a store of value and can provide protection if confidence in government debt or fiat currency weakens.

However, gold prices can be more volatile and gold is less liquid than short-term U.S. Treasury bills. If gold prices drop, the value of that part of the reserves falls, which could reduce Tether’s extra reserves even if USDT redemptions remain steady.

What this means: Gold can help protect against some risks, but it also brings its own market risks that users should consider along with the benefits of diversification.

3. What USDT Users Should Watch Next

For everyday USDT users, the key questions are:

  1. How much extra reserve Tether holds beyond what’s needed to back USDT.
  2. How quickly Tether could sell assets, including gold, if many people want to redeem USDT at once.
  3. How often and clearly Tether reports on what’s in its reserves.

Tether’s latest reports still show several billion dollars in extra reserves and a strong focus on highly liquid U.S. Treasuries. But regulators and analysts will likely keep a close eye as the gold portion grows.

What this means: Think of the “140 tons of gold” as just one part of a much bigger reserve picture. Watch future reports closely, not just the headline number.

Conclusion

Tether’s build-up of about 140 metric tons of gold shows that USDT is now backed by a mix of U.S. Treasuries, cash, and significant precious metals—not just dollar debt. This mix can make USDT more resilient in some situations but also adds risks related to commodity prices and liquidity. For crypto users, it’s more important to follow how Tether’s reserves, extra capital, and transparency evolve over time than to focus on any single gold milestone.


What could affect the price of USDT?

USDT’s $1 value peg is being tested by increasing regulatory pressure and questions about its reserves.

  1. Regulatory Challenges – New U.S. and European rules could limit USDT’s availability, threatening its market dominance and possibly causing price swings if it can’t fully comply.
  2. Reserve Transparency & Trust – Without a full independent audit and with a low credit rating from S&P, confidence in USDT could weaken, risking a loss of its $1 peg during large-scale withdrawals.
  3. Competition & Market Share – Competitors like USDC are growing in regulated markets, while USDT’s expansion on networks like Tron raises concerns about liquidity concentration.

Deep Dive

1. Regulatory Pressure & Market Access (Bearish Impact)

The regulatory environment for stablecoins like USDT is getting stricter. The U.S. GENIUS Act, passed in July 2025, requires stablecoins to hold 100% liquid reserves and disclose information publicly (CCN.com). Meanwhile, the European Union’s MiCA rules have already led major exchanges to limit or remove USDT for European users. In response, Tether launched a new compliant stablecoin called USA₮ for the U.S. market and hired a strategic advisor to focus on U.S. regulations (Tether News).

What this means: If Tether can’t or won’t meet these new rules, USDT could be delisted from key markets like the U.S. and Europe. This would reduce its liquidity and usefulness, potentially causing its price to fall below $1 for an extended period as demand drops in regulated areas.

2. Reserve Scrutiny & Confidence Crises (Mixed Impact)

USDT’s biggest vulnerability is trust in its 1:1 backing with U.S. dollars. Although Tether reported over $10 billion in net profit for 2025 and holds more than $122 billion in U.S. Treasury securities, it still hasn’t completed a full independent audit (Cointribune). In November 2025, S&P Global downgraded USDT to its lowest rating, calling it “weak” due to risky assets like Bitcoin (which makes up 5.6% of reserves) and a lack of transparency (Bitget). Public sentiment also shows growing skepticism (Nanalyze).

What this means: This is a mixed picture. Strong profits and Treasury holdings support USDT’s ability to handle redemptions, which is positive. But the ongoing lack of a full audit raises doubts. In a market panic, these transparency issues could lead to mass withdrawals, testing liquidity and possibly causing USDT to temporarily lose its $1 peg, as has happened with other stablecoins before.

3. Intensifying Competition & Liquidity Shifts (Mixed Impact)

The stablecoin market is growing fast, surpassing $300 billion in 2025. USDT still holds about 60% of the market but is seeing slower growth as competitors gain ground. USDC, which fully complies with regulations like MiCA, increased its market share from 21% to 26% in the first half of 2025 (CoinMarketCap). Additionally, USDT’s growth on the Tron blockchain now accounts for over $80 billion, creating risks if problems arise on that single network.

What this means: This creates a neutral to slightly negative outlook. USDT’s large user base and liquidity are strong advantages. However, as regulated markets favor compliant stablecoins like USDC, USDT could lose market share in important sectors. This could reduce its role as the main trading pair and put subtle downward pressure on its price stability.

Conclusion

USDT’s ability to maintain its $1 peg depends on sustaining trust while adapting to tighter regulations. Its size and profitability are strengths, but legal challenges and rising competitors are testing its position. For holders, watching redemption activity and regulatory updates will be key to spotting potential stress.

Will Tether’s new USA₮ stablecoin protect its $180+ billion USDT empire from regulatory risks?


What are people saying about USDT?

USDT is showing mixed signals right now. Here’s the quick summary:

  1. Strong profit forecast of $10 billion for 2025
  2. Short-term technical trends look weak
  3. Regulatory concerns about how transparent its reserves really are

Deep Dive

1. CoinMarketCap: Tether’s $10B Profit Forecast Looks Positive

Tether expects to make over $10 billion in net profit in 2025, driven by growth in USDT and holding $141 billion in U.S. Treasury bonds.
– CoinMarketCap (Jan 31, 2026)
View original post
What this means: This is good news for USDT. High profits and strong treasury reserves suggest the company behind USDT is financially solid, which helps maintain confidence in USDT’s stable $1 value, especially during uncertain market times.

2. @Londinia_IA: Short-Term Technical Trends Are Weak

Recent price movements show a slight downward trend, with traders possibly betting against USDT in the short term.
– @Londinia_IA (Jan 28, 2026)
View original post
What this means: This is a warning sign for USDT. Technical analysts see weakening momentum, which means traders might be cautious and reducing their exposure to stablecoins like USDT for now.

3. S&P Global: Stability Rating Downgrade Raises Concerns

S&P Global lowered USDT’s stability rating due to its exposure to Bitcoin and gold, along with unclear details about its reserves. They pointed out risks related to the assets backing USDT.
– S&P Global (Nov 26, 2025)
View original post
What this means: This is negative for USDT. When big rating agencies highlight risks and lack of transparency, it can shake investor confidence and make institutions more cautious about using USDT.

Conclusion

The outlook for USDT is mixed. On one hand, it shows strong financial growth and solid treasury holdings. On the other, there are ongoing concerns about transparency and regulatory scrutiny. Keep an eye on the first quarter of 2026 when Tether releases updated reports on its reserves—this will be an important test for the stability of its $185 billion ecosystem.


What is the latest news about USDT?

Tether is facing a mix of challenges, including a drop in profits and increased regulatory attention, while concerns grow over USDT’s involvement in illegal activities. Here’s the latest update:

  1. Profit Declines Despite Treasury Growth (February 1, 2026) – Tether’s net profit for 2025 fell 23% to $10 billion, but its Treasury assets and USDT supply reached new highs.
  2. Stablecoins Seen as a Bank Run Risk (February 1, 2026) – Banks warn that rewards on stablecoins like USDT might cause customers to withdraw deposits, raising concerns about financial stability.
  3. USDT Linked to $37 Million Money Laundering Scam (February 1, 2026) – A Chinese national was sentenced for laundering scam proceeds through USDT, highlighting ongoing regulatory challenges.

In-Depth Look

1. Profit Declines Despite Treasury Growth (February 1, 2026)

Summary: Tether’s net profit dropped by 23% in 2025, falling to just over $10 billion. This was mainly due to cautious reserve management and changes in the market. However, the company’s total assets grew by $49 billion compared to the previous year, supported by the issuance of about 50 billion new USDT tokens. This pushed the total USDT supply to record levels. Tether’s holdings of U.S. Treasury securities surpassed $122 billion, making them the largest part of its reserves, alongside reverse repurchase agreements and corporate bonds. The company also maintained excess reserves of $6.3 billion above its liabilities.
What this means: This news is neutral for USDT. While profits have decreased, the quality and transparency of Tether’s reserves have improved, which could build trust. The growing supply of USDT shows its important role in providing liquidity and facilitating transactions in the crypto market, potentially strengthening its position despite lower profits.
(Source: Cointribune)

2. Stablecoins Seen as a Bank Run Risk (February 1, 2026)

Summary: U.S. banks are concerned that reward programs tied to stablecoins like USDT could encourage customers to withdraw their deposits, potentially destabilizing banks. Standard Chartered estimates that up to $500 billion could move from traditional banks to stablecoins by 2028. Regulators are debating whether stablecoins should continue as payment tools or be regulated more like bank deposits. Banks are pushing for strict limits on stablecoin rewards to protect their funding.
What this means: This is a negative sign for USDT because tighter regulations could limit features like rewards, which might slow down its adoption. However, partnerships with major payment companies like Visa and Stripe could increase USDT’s use in everyday transactions, helping to maintain demand.
(Source: CCN.com)

3. USDT Linked to $37 Million Money Laundering Scam (February 1, 2026)

Summary: Su Jingliang was sentenced to nearly four years in prison for laundering over $36.9 million from a “pig butchering” scam using USDT. He used U.S.-based shell companies to convert the scam proceeds into USDT and then transferred the funds to accounts in Southeast Asia. This scam affected 174 victims in the United States.
What this means: This is bad news for USDT because it shows how the token can be misused for criminal activities, which could lead to stricter regulations and increased compliance requirements. Exchanges might need to improve monitoring, and public perception could be affected, although the overall market impact has been limited so far.
(Source: coincu.com)

Conclusion

Tether is under pressure from declining profits and growing regulatory concerns. However, its expanding reserves and important role in payments help balance these challenges. The key question is whether stronger compliance efforts can reduce illegal use without limiting USDT’s ability to provide liquidity in the crypto market.


What is expected in the development of USDT?

Tether’s roadmap is focused on expanding regulatory approval, improving wallet technology, and increasing global use.

  1. USA₮ Expansion (2026) – Growing adoption of the U.S.-regulated stablecoin through new partnerships and platform integrations.
  2. Wallet Development Kit Evolution (2026) – Upgrading open-source tools for self-managed wallets that support multiple blockchains.
  3. RGB Protocol Integration (2025) – Bringing USD₮ to Bitcoin using the RGB protocol for private and secure asset transfers.
  4. Global Financial Inclusion (Ongoing) – Collaborating with companies in emerging markets to increase stablecoin usage.

Deep Dive

1. USA₮ Expansion (2026)

Overview: USA₮ launched on January 27, 2026, as Tether’s U.S.-regulated stablecoin under the GENIUS Act. It’s issued through Anchorage Digital Bank and is designed for institutional payments and compliance-focused applications. Tether is working with platforms like Rumble Wallet to encourage adoption.
What this means: This is positive for USDT because it opens access to the $25 trillion U.S. market while reducing regulatory risks. However, competition from Circle’s USDC and bank-backed stablecoins could affect profit margins.

2. Wallet Development Kit Evolution (2026)

Overview: Tether’s open-source Wallet Development Kit (WDK), launched in October 2025, helps developers create self-custodial wallets that support USDT and USA₮. Recent updates added compatibility with the RGB protocol and enabled gasless transactions. Future plans include support for Solana and Tron blockchains.
What this means: This is neutral for USDT—it improves the ecosystem’s usefulness but depends on how widely developers adopt it. If successful, it could increase USDT transactions; if not, the impact may be limited.

3. RGB Protocol Integration (2025)

Overview: Announced in August 2025, this project brings USD₮ to Bitcoin through the RGB protocol, which allows private asset issuance without smart contracts. It uses Bitcoin’s Taproot upgrade for efficient and private transfers.
What this means: This is positive for USDT because it leverages Bitcoin’s security while adding privacy features. Risks include potential delays in network stability and competition from stablecoins on Bitcoin’s Lightning Network.

4. Global Financial Inclusion (Ongoing)

Overview: Tether is partnering with regional companies like Bitqik in Laos and Kotani Pay in Africa to promote USDT for remittances and payments. Efforts include local education and infrastructure support.
What this means: This is positive for USDT since emerging markets have strong growth potential. However, regulatory challenges and currency volatility in these regions remain concerns.

Conclusion

Tether is focusing on regulatory compliance (USA₮), wallet technology (WDK), and Bitcoin integration (RGB) to strengthen USDT’s position. The question remains whether its strategy in emerging markets can balance growing regulatory pressures in the U.S. and Europe.


What updates are there in the USDT code base?

Tether USDt (USDT) has recently made important upgrades and added new blockchain connections to improve how it works.

  1. Bitcoin Integration via RGB (August 28, 2025) – USDT can now be used directly on the Bitcoin network.
  2. Blockchain Support Reversal (August 31, 2025) – USDT transfers continue on five older blockchains, despite earlier plans to stop support.
  3. Zero-Fee Blockchain Launch (August 5, 2025) – A new network for USDT transactions was introduced with no fees.

Deep Dive

1. Bitcoin Integration via RGB (August 28, 2025)

Overview: Tether has connected USDT with Bitcoin using the RGB protocol. This means you can now send and receive USDT directly on Bitcoin’s network, using the same wallet for both Bitcoin (BTC) and USDT.

The RGB protocol focuses on privacy and scalability, allowing USDT transactions to happen off the main Bitcoin blockchain. This makes transactions faster and more private, while keeping Bitcoin’s strong security. The goal is to make USDT feel like a natural part of the Bitcoin system, not just an add-on.

What this means: This is good news for USDT because it opens up new ways to use it within Bitcoin’s ecosystem. It could boost USDT’s use in decentralized finance (DeFi) and peer-to-peer trading. Plus, users get quicker, private transactions without needing “wrapped” versions of USDT.
(Coinspeaker)

2. Blockchain Support Reversal (August 31, 2025)

Overview: Tether reversed its earlier decision to stop supporting USDT on five older blockchains: Omni, Bitcoin Cash SLP, EOS, Kusama, and Algorand. While new USDT creation and redemption on these chains have stopped, users can still transfer USDT across them.

Tether originally planned this because these blockchains had very low USDT activity (for example, less than $1 million USDT on Bitcoin Cash). However, community feedback led to a compromise, so users won’t lose access to their funds.

What this means: This is a neutral update for USDT. It simplifies Tether’s operations but keeps options open for users who rely on these less popular blockchains. Tether remains focused on major blockchains like Tron and Ethereum, which handle 98% of USDT’s $185 billion supply.
(Cointribune)

3. Zero-Fee Blockchain Launch (August 5, 2025)

Overview: Tether launched its own blockchain designed specifically for USDT transactions. This new network charges no transaction fees (“gas fees”) and allows free peer-to-peer transfers.

It supports smart contracts and can connect with other blockchains through USDT0, a system that doesn’t require bridges. Early tests show transactions finalize in less than a second, making it a fast and affordable option for both everyday users and institutions.

What this means: This is positive for USDT because it lowers costs and makes transactions easier, which could increase use in developing markets. It may also attract DeFi projects that depend on stablecoin liquidity.
(Zedxion)

Conclusion

Tether is focusing on making USDT work better with Bitcoin while still supporting older blockchains. The RGB integration and zero-fee blockchain show Tether’s push to lead in cross-chain liquidity. However, this approach still depends on centralized control. The big question: will Bitcoin’s network become the main platform for stablecoin use?