Tether, the largest stablecoin issuer, is considering providing loans to trading companies to strengthen its position in traditional finance.
Tether's Loan Plans
According to Bloomberg, Tether is exploring the possibility of offering loans to companies in the commodities markets. Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino reportedly confirmed that the company’s investment arm is at early stages of discussions regarding lending opportunities in traditional finance.
History of Tether's Lending
Previously, Tether offered lending services. From 2019 to 2021, the company disbursed $11.6 billion in collateralized loans, primarily secured by Bitcoin and Ethereum. Tether Investment aims to increase capital deployment into various projects.
Regulatory Challenges and Future Plans
Tether's move into traditional finance coincides with shifts in regulations for cryptocurrencies and stablecoins worldwide. In Europe, the new MiCA regulation could impact the stablecoin market, while in the U.S., laws are being developed that may allow banks to issue fiat-pegged tokens. Meanwhile, Tether continues to invest, planning to allocate over $1 billion in the coming year across various sectors.
Tether's pursuit of new investment opportunities underlines its intention to solidify its position not only in the crypto space but also in traditional financial markets. However, the company faces numerous regulatory hurdles in implementing its plans.