Tether Gold (XAUt) is drawing intense market attention as its price surges alongside a historic rally in physical gold.

The token, which is backed 1:1 by allocated gold stored in Swiss vaults, has benefited directly from growing global demand for safe-haven assets.

As geopolitical tensions, especially in the Middle East, rise and uncertainty weighs on risk assets, investors are increasingly turning to gold and gold-linked digital instruments.

This shift has pushed XAUt firmly into the spotlight as one of the strongest-performing real-world asset tokens in the crypto market.

Tether Gold (XAUt) outperforms a weakening crypto market

XAUt is up 2.3% over the past 24 hours, clearly outperforming a broader crypto market that has remained flat to slightly negative.

This daily move extends an already strong trend, with gains of roughly 7.3% over the last seven days and nearly 10% over the past month.

At the time of writing, Tether Gold (XAUt) is trading near $4,950, just shy of its recent all-time high around $4,960.

The token’s market capitalisation stands at approximately $2.57 billion, supported by a circulating supply of just over 520,000 tokens.

Trading activity has also surged, with more than $220 million in 24-hour volume highlighting growing liquidity and participation.

These figures confirm that XAUt’s rally is not thin or speculative, but backed by meaningful capital flows.

Gold’s safe-haven rally fuels XAUt demand

The primary driver behind XAUt’s surge is the powerful rally in physical gold prices.

Over the past year, gold has climbed nearly 70%, with prices now pushing toward the psychologically critical $5,000 per ounce level.

This move has been fueled by escalating geopolitical tensions, renewed tariff concerns, and growing fears of macroeconomic instability.

Because Tether Gold (XAUt) is directly pegged to the price of physical gold, any sustained upside in gold creates immediate upward pressure on the token.

The redemption and arbitrage mechanisms behind XAUt help keep its price closely aligned with spot gold markets.

As analysts and industry leaders increasingly project gold prices approaching or testing $5,000, sentiment around gold-backed digital assets has strengthened.

This macro-driven demand gives XAUt a structural advantage over many crypto assets that rely primarily on speculative momentum.

Whale accumulation signals defensive positioning

On-chain data suggests that large investors are actively accumulating XAUt as part of a defensive strategy.

Recent reports indicate that several linked wallets purchased more than 3,100 XAUt, worth roughly $13.7 million, at an average price near $4,422.

Another whale reportedly spent over $2 million to acquire more than 430 XAUt just days ago.

These purchases point to a broader rotation from volatile crypto assets into tokenised real-world assets.

Such accumulation adds concentrated buy-side pressure and often precedes sustained price strength.

It also reinforces the narrative that XAUt is increasingly being used as an on-chain hedge rather than a short-term trade.

Liquidity and technical momentum strengthen the trend

XAUt’s recent integration on the Mantle network via Bybit has further improved accessibility and reduced transaction costs.

📣 Bybit will soon support @tethergold on @Mantle_Official.

Bybit will open $XAUT deposit and withdrawal support via Mantle on Jan 20, 2026, at 10AM UTC. Enjoy 0 withdrawal fees on Mantle for a limited time!

Learn more: https://t.co/WPYEgxDPJv pic.twitter.com/TDRAtBh5nN

— Bybit Plus (@BybitPlus) January 19, 2026

Lower friction and deeper liquidity make it easier for both retail and institutional participants to gain exposure.

From a technical perspective, momentum remains decisively bullish.

The token is trading well above its key moving averages, with the 7-day and 30-day SMAs acting as strong dynamic support.

However, the 7-day RSI near 95 indicates overbought conditions, suggesting that short-term pullbacks are possible.

Even so, overbought readings during strong uptrends often reflect persistent demand rather than imminent reversals.

Tether Gold price forecast

Looking ahead, traders should closely monitor several key price levels.

Immediate resistance sits near the all-time high zone between $4,950 and $5,000, which aligns with the psychological milestone in spot gold.

A clean breakout and sustained hold above $5,000 could open the door to further upside, especially if gold continues its macro-driven rally.

On the downside, initial support lies near $4,800, a level closely tied to recent consolidation and gold’s breakout zone.

Below that, stronger support may emerge around the $4,700 to $4,720 area, near the short-term moving averages.

As long as gold holds above critical psychological levels and whale accumulation persists, XAUt’s broader trend remains firmly bullish.

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Tether Gold (XAUt) surges as gold approaches $5,000 mark

Source: https://coinjournal.net/news/tether-gold-xaut-surges-as-gold-approaches-5000-mark/

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Tether, the issuer of the world’s largest stablecoin, froze more than $180 million worth of USDT within 24 hours, underscoring the growing role of centralized control and law-enforcement coordination in the stablecoin market.

The event stands out not only for its size but also for what it reveals about issuer-level control in the crypto economy.

As regulators scrutinise digital dollars more closely, the mechanics behind this freeze offer insight into how compliance now shapes on-chain liquidity.

Large-scale freeze on Tron

On Jan. 11, Tether froze roughly $182 million worth of USDT held across five Tron-based wallets in a single day.

The action was flagged by on-chain tracker Whale Alert, which showed individual wallet balances ranging from about $12 million to nearly $50 million.

The timing and concentration of the freezes marked it as one of the largest single-day USDT enforcement events recorded on the Tron network.

The wallets were not drained or moved.

Instead, the tokens were locked at the contract level, making them unusable while remaining visible on-chain.

This approach is consistent with how fiat-backed stablecoins are restricted when issuers respond to external requests.

Enforcement-linked coordination

While Tether did not publish a detailed explanation, the freezes appear linked to cooperation with US authorities, including the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Historically, similar actions have followed investigations tied to scams, hacking incidents, sanctions breaches, or other forms of illegal crypto usage.

Tether maintains administrative control through special keys embedded in the USDT smart contracts it issues.

These keys allow the company to halt or freeze tokens at the issuer level.

Such functionality is central to how stablecoin operators comply with anti-money-laundering rules and legal enforcement demands, particularly when funds are suspected of being linked to criminal activity.

Scale of past USDT freezes

Data from analytics firm AMLBot places the Jan. 11 action in a broader context.

Between 2023 and 2025, Tether froze more than $3 billion in assets spread across over 7,000 addresses.

That cumulative figure far exceeds comparable actions by other stablecoin issuers, underlining USDT’s dominant role in enforcement-led interventions.

Tron has become one of the largest settlement layers for USDT, with more than $80 billion in circulation on the network.

Its low fees and fast settlement times have driven adoption, particularly in emerging markets and high-frequency trading environments.

At the same time, this scale makes Tron-based USDT a focal point for monitoring illicit flows.

Centralisation and market implications

The episode has renewed debate around centralised control in stablecoins.

Unlike decentralised assets such as Bitcoin, USDT can be paused or frozen by its issuer when legal pressure is applied.

This structural difference has practical consequences for users who rely on stablecoins as cash equivalents.

According to Chainalysis, stablecoins accounted for around 84 % of illicit crypto activity by the end of 2025.

The data reflects how dollar-pegged tokens have become a primary medium in fraud cases and sanctions-related transfers.

As enforcement actions grow in size and frequency, issuer-controlled stablecoins continue to sit at the intersection of regulatory compliance and decentralised finance.

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Tether freezes $182M in USDT, highlighting centralized control in stablecoins

Source: https://coinjournal.net/news/tether-freezes-182m-in-usdt-highlighting-centralized-control-in-stablecoins/

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South Korea is preparing to reopen its digital asset market to corporate money, marking a major shift after nearly a decade of tight restrictions.

Financial regulators are updating long-standing guidelines that have barred companies from holding crypto assets since 2017, a period defined by concerns over money laundering and market instability.

The proposed changes would allow listed companies and professional investors to allocate a limited portion of their balance sheets to cryptocurrencies.

The move signals a recalibration of policy as Seoul seeks to strengthen its digital finance ecosystem while keeping risks contained through strict guardrails.

Corporate access returns

According to a report by the Financial Services Commission, legal entities will be permitted to invest up to 5% of their equity capital in crypto assets.

The information was reported by the Seoul Economic Daily.

Regulators are expected to release the final version of the guidelines in January or February.

Once in place, companies will be able to engage in virtual currency transactions for investment and financial purposes, ending a nine-year prohibition.

The FSC first outlined a phased easing of corporate crypto rules in February 2025 and shared the latest draft with its crypto working group on Jan. 6.

The approach reflects a gradual opening rather than a wholesale liberalisation.

Tight limits on assets

The planned framework places clear limits on where and how companies can invest.

Corporate purchases will be restricted to the top 20 crypto assets by market capitalisation, narrowing exposure to the most liquid and widely traded tokens.

Transactions will also be confined to South Korea’s five largest regulated exchanges, reinforcing oversight and compliance standards.

The inclusion of dollar-pegged stablecoins remains unresolved.

The report said regulators are still debating whether assets such as Tether’s USDT should be permitted under the new rules.

These conditions are designed to address the same financial crime risks that prompted the original ban, while recognising that the domestic market has matured since 2017.

Market impact expectations

The reopening of corporate access could unlock significant capital flows into crypto markets.

Seoul Economic Daily noted that the scale of potential investment runs into tens of trillions of won.

By way of illustration, the report pointed to internet giant Naver, which holds around 27 trillion won in equity capital.

Under the proposed cap, the company could theoretically deploy funds equivalent to roughly 10,000 Bitcoin.

Beyond direct market inflows, the change could alter corporate strategy.

Large South Korean firms have previously invested in digital assets overseas to avoid domestic restrictions.

Easing local rules may redirect that activity back home, supporting blockchain startups, digital asset treasuries, and related infrastructure.

Broader digital currency strategy

The corporate crypto shift sits alongside a wider push into digital currencies.

The government has outlined plans to execute 25% of national treasury transactions through a central bank digital currency by 2030 as part of its 2026 Economic Growth Strategy.

The government also plans to introduce a licensing regime for stablecoin issuers.

Under the proposal, issuers would need to maintain 100% reserve backing and provide legally guaranteed redemption rights for users.

Together, these measures suggest South Korea is seeking to integrate crypto assets, stablecoins, and a CBDC into a single regulatory framework rather than treating them as isolated experiments.

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South Korea moves to reopen corporate crypto investing after long freeze

Source: https://coinjournal.net/news/south-korea-moves-to-reopen-corporate-crypto-investing-after-long-freeze/

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Binance has widened its derivatives suite by adding perpetual futures linked to gold and silver, marking a push beyond purely digital assets.

The move reflects growing demand among crypto-native traders for exposure to traditional safe-haven markets through familiar onchain infrastructure.

By listing precious metals products that trade around the clock and have no expiry date, the exchange is positioning itself at the intersection of commodities and crypto trading.

The launch comes as gold and silver prices have reached fresh records, drawing renewed attention from investors seeking hedges against volatility across global markets.

Precious metals enter crypto derivatives

The exchange said on Thursday that it had launched perpetual futures contracts tied to gold and silver.

The products allow traders to speculate on price movements without holding the underlying metals and without worrying about contract expiration.

Trading is available continuously, mirroring the structure of crypto perpetuals that already dominate derivatives volumes on major exchanges.

The contracts are listed under the symbols XAUUSDT and XAGUSDT. Both are designed to track the market price of gold and silver, respectively.

Instead of physical settlement, positions are settled in Tether’s USDT stablecoin, giving traders onchain exposure to precious metals pricing while remaining within a crypto-based settlement system.

Settlement and market access

By settling the contracts in USDT, Binance is extending the use of stablecoins beyond crypto-native assets into traditional commodity-linked products.

This structure allows traders to gain price exposure without converting funds into fiat currencies or commodity-backed instruments.

It also removes the need for storage, delivery, or custody arrangements associated with physical gold and silver.

The approach highlights how derivatives are being used to mirror traditional financial markets inside crypto trading platforms.

Binance has indicated that additional contracts linked to traditional assets are planned, suggesting that commodities and other non-crypto markets may feature more prominently in future product rollouts.

Regulatory framework in Abu Dhabi

The gold and silver perpetuals are offered through Next Exchange Limited, a Binance entity operating under the Abu Dhabi Global Market framework.

The contracts fall under the supervision of the Financial Services Regulatory Authority, with Binance holding the relevant licences within ADGM.

This regulatory setup is central to Binance’s effort to expand its derivatives catalogue while maintaining compliance in key jurisdictions.

Abu Dhabi has also become relevant for stablecoin usage, with USDT approved for use by regulated companies in the emirate, even as Tether has chosen not to seek authorisation under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets framework.

Competition and safe haven demand

Binance is not alone in offering precious metals-linked perpetual contracts.

Other exchanges active in this segment include Coinbase, MEXC, BTCC, BingX, and Bybit, although Bybit currently limits its offering to gold-linked perpetuals.

The growing number of platforms listing such products points to rising interest in blending commodity exposure with crypto derivatives trading.

The timing of Binance’s launch aligns with a period of heightened demand for safe-haven assets.

Both gold and silver have recently climbed to new all-time highs, driven by investor appetite for assets perceived as stores of value.

By enabling trading in these markets via USDT-settled perpetuals, Binance is tapping into that demand while keeping activity within its existing derivatives ecosystem.

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Binance launches gold and silver perpetual futures in expansion beyond crypto

Source: https://coinjournal.net/news/binance-launches-gold-and-silver-perpetual-futures-in-expansion-beyond-crypto/

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Barclays has taken its first direct step into the stablecoin sector by investing in US-based settlement firm Ubyx, marking a shift in how the British lender is approaching digital money.

The move, as reported by Reuters, comes as global banks cautiously test how blockchain-based payment systems could be integrated into regulated finance.

Rather than issuing a token of its own, Barclays is backing market infrastructure that sits behind stablecoins.

The investment also reflects renewed institutional interest in crypto-linked systems after a sharp rebound in digital asset markets and a more supportive stance from US President Donald Trump toward the sector.

What Ubyx does

Ubyx, launched in 2025, operates as a clearing and settlement layer for stablecoins.

Its core function is to reconcile tokens issued by different stablecoin providers, allowing them to move more smoothly across platforms.

Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies designed to track mainstream currencies on a one-to-one basis, most commonly the dollar.

While they are widely used within crypto trading, their fragmented issuance model has limited broader interoperability.

Ubyx aims to address that fragmentation by acting as a neutral clearing system rather than a token issuer.

Barclays has not disclosed the size or valuation of its stake, but confirmed it is the bank’s first investment in a stablecoin-related company.

Other backers of Ubyx include the venture capital arms of Coinbase and Galaxy Digital, according to PitchBook data.

Why banks are paying attention

Over the past year, banks and financial institutions have revived discussions around stablecoins and tokenised assets.

This renewed momentum has been driven by rising crypto prices and political signals in the US that are perceived as more favourable to the sector.

Stablecoins are increasingly viewed as a potential bridge between traditional finance and blockchain systems, particularly for settlement and cross-border transfers.

Despite this interest, most bank-led blockchain initiatives remain at an early stage. Institutions are still assessing regulatory boundaries, operational risks, and real-world demand.

Barclays has framed its involvement with Ubyx as part of a broader effort to explore tokenised money that remains within existing regulatory frameworks, rather than operating in parallel systems outside them.

Regulatory perimeter focus

A key element of the Barclays-Ubyx relationship is its emphasis on regulation.

The bank has said the collaboration is intended to support the development of tokenised money within the regulatory perimeter.

This approach aligns with how major lenders are positioning themselves in the digital asset space, prioritising compliance and supervisory clarity over speed.

In October, Barclays was among 10 banks, including Goldman Sachs and UBS, that announced a joint initiative to explore issuing a stablecoin linked to G7 currencies.

That project highlighted growing coordination among large banks, even as concrete launches remain some way off.

Stablecoin market context

The stablecoin market has expanded rapidly in recent years.

The sector is dominated by Tether, which has about $187 billion worth of tokens in circulation.

Despite their size, stablecoins are still primarily used for transferring funds within crypto markets rather than for everyday payments or corporate settlement.

By investing in Ubyx, Barclays is targeting the infrastructure that could support wider adoption if stablecoins move beyond their current niche.

The strategy suggests that major banks are preparing for multiple future scenarios, even as the practical use of stablecoins in mainstream finance remains limited for now.

The post Barclays steps into stablecoin infrastructure with Ubyx investment appeared first on CoinJournal.

Barclays steps into stablecoin infrastructure with Ubyx investment

Source: https://coinjournal.net/news/barclays-steps-into-stablecoin-infrastructure-with-ubyx-investment/

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Pig-butchering scams, once seen as consumer-level fraud, have quietly evolved into a global web of organised crime.

With links to human trafficking, cryptocurrency abuse, and international money laundering, authorities are now viewing these scams as matters of national security.

In a recent Chainalysis podcast, Andrew Fierman, the firm’s head of national security intelligence, and Erin West, a former prosecutor and founder of Operation Shamrock, discussed the evolution of pig-butchering scams.

They painted a chilling picture of how the fraud has transformed from digital deceit to a full-blown transnational crime model.

The scam involves creating trust-based relationships with victims over time, sometimes romantic, sometimes platonic, before luring them into bogus cryptocurrency investments.

Funds are then siphoned through fake platforms and disappear into an opaque crypto network.

Southeast Asian compounds and forced scam labour

Pig-butchering operations are no longer run by isolated hackers. Fierman and West explained that many are now backed by sprawling fraud rings operating across Southeast Asia.

These rings run dormitory-style compounds where trafficked workers, often victims themselves, are forced to operate scam networks.

In 2023, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) seized around $112,000,000 in crypto tied to such schemes.

However, according to Chainalysis, the problem has grown rapidly.

Scam-related revenue in the crypto space exceeded $9.9 billion in 2024, with pig-butchering scams alone increasing by nearly 40% compared to the previous year.

Victims often suffer more than once. After being drained of their initial funds, many receive follow-up messages from fraudulent recovery companies offering to “help” retrieve their lost assets.

These secondary scams use the same tactics, often targeting victims again by using lists sold among fraud rings.

Using blockchain visibility to fight back

While pig-butchering relies on exploiting emotions and trust, the infrastructure often moves through traceable digital rails.

Fierman suggested that this is where blockchain transparency can be turned against the scammers.

By tracking wallet flows and transactions on-chain, regulators, exchanges, and virtual asset service providers (VASPs) can intervene.

This is particularly possible at the point of cashing out, which remains the critical vulnerability for these operations.

Efforts are being made to freeze and reclaim these funds.

In August, a joint action by APAC law enforcement agencies and firms like Chainalysis, OKX, Binance, and Tether resulted in freezing $47,000,000 tied to pig-butchering schemes.

DOJ leads with new task force

The US is treating the matter seriously.

On 12 November, the DOJ announced the launch of a new “Scam Center Strike Force”.

This unit will specifically target transnational crime syndicates linked to Southeast Asia that have engineered these elaborate crypto investment frauds.

The strategy goes beyond arrests.

It involves targeting facilitators of the scam economy, including those offering payment solutions, managing the digital platforms, and providing banking rails.

This approach includes sanctions, indictments, and diplomatic efforts designed to pressure bad actors across borders.

Erin West stated the need to use all available legal and technical tools in this battle.

Disruption at scale, especially across the entry and exit points of crypto fraud, remains the immediate priority for law enforcement.

Common tactics and growing digital risks

The core mechanics of pig-butchering have not changed, even as the scale and coordination have grown.

Scammers still initiate contact over messaging platforms, using charm and emotional manipulation to build trust.

Fast declarations of love, secrecy about personal details, and the push toward investing in a “guaranteed” crypto platform are major warning signs.

These scams often include screenshots showing fake profits to pressure victims into depositing funds.

Once in, victims are encouraged to invest more before being ultimately locked out of the system.

Now, however, these scams sit within a broader framework of crime that merges human exploitation and financial laundering.

Victims are no longer just people who lose their savings.

They are also unknowingly interacting with a global machinery that fuels trafficking and cross-border criminal finance.

The post Crypto romance scams now a national threat, not just consumer fraud appeared first on CoinJournal.

Crypto romance scams now a national threat, not just consumer fraud

Source: https://coinjournal.net/news/crypto-romance-scams-now-a-national-threat-not-just-consumer-fraud/

Tether Holdings SA, the issuer of the world’s largest stablecoin, is in early discussions with major investors, including SoftBank Group Corp. and Ark Investment Management LLC, for a multibillion-dollar fundraising round that could place the company among the most valuable private firms globally, reported Bloomberg.

The fundraising effort could value Tether at as much as $500 billion.

The company is seeking between $15 billion and $20 billion in exchange for roughly a 3% stake through a private placement.

A potential $500 billion valuation

If successful, the fundraising would represent Tether’s largest attempt yet to secure external capital and could rank it alongside the most highly valued private companies in the world.

At a $500 billion valuation, Tether would surpass many global blue-chip firms in size, reflecting both the scale of its token issuance and the financial returns generated from its reserves.

Tether’s dollar-pegged stablecoin, USDT, is widely used to move value across crypto markets and beyond, offering a way for investors to transact outside of traditional banking systems.

Backed by cash-like assets, primarily US Treasuries, the company has earned substantial profits from interest income on these reserves.

Chief Executive Officer Paolo Ardoino leads the company, while co-founder Giancarlo Devasini serves as chairman and remains its largest shareholder.

Bloomberg estimated that a $500 billion valuation would value Devasini’s personal stake at nearly $224 billion.

Strategic backing from SoftBank and Ark

Tokyo-based SoftBank, led by founder Masayoshi Son, has a long history of making ambitious technology bets, ranging from self-driving cars to semiconductors and artificial intelligence.

A potential investment in Tether would align with its strategy of pursuing disruptive opportunities, including its planned $30 billion investment in OpenAI.

Ark Investment Management, led by Cathie Wood, has also shown strong interest in digital assets.

The firm has previously invested in Circle Internet Group Inc., Tether’s closest rival in the stablecoin space.

Circle’s USD Coin (USDC) currently has a market value of about $74 billion, compared with $173.5 billion worth of tokens issued by Tether.

The potential involvement of SoftBank and Ark could bolster Tether’s efforts to expand its footprint in mainstream finance and enhance its political legitimacy, particularly in the US, where the company has previously faced scrutiny over its role in facilitating illicit transactions.

Advisory role and industry impact

Cantor Fitzgerald LP, the New York-based investment bank led for years by current US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, is advising Tether on the fundraising.

The firm also provides custody services for Tether’s assets, underscoring its key role in the company’s financial operations.

The fundraising comes as stablecoins increasingly attract attention from investors, regulators, and governments.

With US authorities preparing stricter oversight of digital assets, securing high-profile financial backers could prove vital for Tether’s positioning in global markets.

If the talks progress and funding is secured, Tether’s valuation would mark a milestone not only for the company but also for the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem, signaling the continued integration of digital assets into mainstream finance.

The post SoftBank and Ark consider backing Tether in funding round: report appeared first on CoinJournal.

SoftBank and Ark consider backing Tether in funding round: report

Source: https://coinjournal.net/news/softbank-and-ark-consider-backing-tether-in-funding-round-report/

Tether has adjusted its earlier plan to freeze USDT smart contracts on five blockchains, opting instead to let users continue transferring tokens while halting issuance and redemption.

The change affects Omni Layer, Bitcoin Cash SLP, Kusama, EOS, and Algorand, networks that now represent only a fraction of USDT circulation.

A shift from freezing to phasing out

In July 2024, Tether announced it would cease redemptions and freeze tokens on the five chains starting September 1, 2025. However, in an August 29 communication, the company seems to have reversed the freeze, opting for a halt to issuance and redemption.

However, following feedback from the communities tied to those blockchains, the company has revised its approach.

While transfers will remain possible, Tether will no longer mint or redeem tokens on these chains, effectively leaving them unsupported.

This move marks the end of an era for Omni Layer in particular, once the foundation for USDT issuance, now holding just under $83 million.

EOS trails with a little over $4 million, while the remaining chains each carry less than $1 million.

In contrast, Ethereum and Tron dominate the stablecoin’s footprint, with more than $150 billion issued between them.

Focus shifts to high-demand ecosystems

The decision underscores Tether’s strategy of consolidating around chains with strong liquidity and developer activity.

Ethereum, Tron, and BNB Chain remain the company’s priority networks, while newer platforms such as Arbitrum, Base, and Solana are gaining traction, particularly for rival USDC.

By reducing attention to legacy blockchains, Tether aims to streamline resources toward ecosystems that promise scalability, user demand, and integration with broader digital finance.

Stablecoins entering a new policy era

Tether’s recalibration highlights the balancing act between legacy commitments and future opportunities.

While tokens on Omni, EOS, and other discontinued chains remain transferable, the company’s attention is firmly fixed on larger, more dynamic ecosystems.

At the same time, traditional finance players such as Western Union are exploring stablecoins to modernise remittances and improve currency conversion, pointing to a broader wave of adoption.

Additionally, the timing of Tether’s move coincides with growing policy support for stablecoins in the United States.

The recent GENIUS Act, signed by President Trump, provides regulatory backing for dollar-pegged assets as a tool to extend US currency influence in digital markets.

In addition, the US Treasury projects that the stablecoin sector could exceed $2 trillion by 2028, up from its current $285.9 billion.

Ripple’s chief executive has suggested growth may accelerate even faster, potentially reaching that mark within just a few years.

As stablecoins expand into payments, savings, and global transfers, Tether’s shift reflects both market realities and the demands of a sector rapidly preparing for trillion-dollar growth.

The post Tether reverses USDT freezing on 5 chains, allows transfers, but ends issuance appeared first on CoinJournal.

Tether reverses USDT freezing on 5 chains, allows transfers, but ends issuance

Source: https://coinjournal.net/news/tether-reverses-usdt-freezing-on-5-chains-allows-transfers-but-ends-issuance/

Celsius Network’s efforts to hold Tether accountable for a $4 billion Bitcoin liquidation just cleared a major hurdle in US court.

A bankruptcy judge has now allowed Celsius to proceed with legal action against Tether, despite the stablecoin giant’s attempts to halt the case on jurisdictional grounds.

The lawsuit centres on claims that Tether prematurely and unfairly sold nearly 40,000 BTC during Celsius’s collapse in mid-2022, in breach of a contractual agreement and US bankruptcy laws.

The ruling could mark a turning point for how global crypto firms are treated in American courts, especially when assets are involved that were managed, sold, or transferred through US-linked systems.

While the court dismissed some peripheral allegations, it upheld key claims, including breach of contract and fraudulent transfer, allowing Celsius’s case to continue.

Celsius accuses Tether of early Bitcoin liquidation breach

The dispute dates back to June 2022, when Celsius was already reeling from the broader crypto market crash. Court filings reveal that Tether had lent money to Celsius and, in return, received collateral in Bitcoin.

Celsius now alleges that Tether liquidated 39,500 BTC at an average price of $20,656 without providing the contractually required 10-hour notice period.

The assets, according to Celsius, were liquidated during a time of extreme market volatility, and sold significantly below market value. Celsius claims the early sale resulted in a loss of over $4 billion based on current Bitcoin prices.

Moreover, the company alleges that Tether later transferred the liquidated BTC to Bitfinex, a platform operated by Tether’s sister company, raising concerns around related-party dealings and asset custody.

US court rejects Tether’s jurisdictional challenge

In its defence, Tether had argued that the case should be thrown out because it operates from the British Virgin Islands and Hong Kong. The company said US courts had no jurisdiction over its business.

However, the judge disagreed, pointing to the fact that Tether used US-based staff, bank accounts, and communication systems in its dealings with Celsius.

The court ruled that Tether’s actions were sufficiently “domestic” to fall under US legal scrutiny.

This decision now paves the way for Celsius to pursue several key legal charges including breach of contract, fraudulent transfer, and preferential treatment of certain creditors—allegations that strike at the core of how digital asset lenders and stablecoin issuers operate.

Broader implications for crypto lending and stablecoin governance

Legal experts say the outcome of this case could influence the regulatory treatment of stablecoin issuers, particularly in the US.

If Celsius is able to demonstrate that Tether mismanaged client assets or failed to honour notice periods during market stress, it may prompt calls for stricter oversight on asset liquidation procedures, especially for offshore firms operating through US financial infrastructure.

The case may also set a precedent for future cross-border lending disputes and clarify whether offshore crypto companies can be held accountable in US bankruptcy proceedings.

The outcome could therefore impact how other large digital asset firms manage collateral and liquidity risk during market downturns.

Tether grows market presence amid legal scrutiny

Despite the ongoing legal challenges, Tether has continued to expand its footprint in the crypto sector. The company recently acquired a majority stake in Twenty One Capital, a firm associated with Strike CEO Jack Mallers.

This move connects Tether to the third-largest corporate Bitcoin holder globally.

In another significant development, Tether transferred around 37,230 BTC—currently worth $3.9 billion—to addresses associated with its trading operations.

The company appears to be consolidating its Bitcoin reserves even as it navigates the legal fallout from the Celsius collapse.

Meanwhile, speculation continues over Tether’s valuation and a possible initial public offering.

However, CEO Paolo Ardoino has denied any plans for a public listing, stating that the firm is not preparing for an IPO despite rumoured valuations nearing $500 billion.

As the Celsius case moves into the next phase, attention will remain on how Tether responds to mounting legal pressure in one of the largest financial disputes in crypto history.

The post Celsius vs Tether lawsuit moves ahead in US court over $4 billion Bitcoin sale appeared first on CoinJournal.

Celsius vs Tether lawsuit moves ahead in US court over $4 billion Bitcoin sale

Source: https://coinjournal.net/news/celsius-vs-tether-lawsuit-moves-ahead-in-us-court-over-4-billion-bitcoin-sale/

Tether has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see it collaborate with the government of the Republic of Guinea to promote blockchain adoption in the country.

According to Tether, the strategic collaboration will explore blockchain and peer-to-peer (P2P) technologies. Guinea’s government looks to tap into this partnership to enhance economic growth and drive digital transformation.

Tether’s MoU with government of Guinea

The MoU focuses on initiatives across education and innovation, as well as sustainable technology practices, Tether said in blog post.

However, the target also includes enhancing adoption of blockchain technologies, with collaboration also potentially involving joint efforts on Guinea’s City of Science and Innovation.

With these programs and support in place, Tether’s aim will be to accelerate the country’s adoption of blockchain and to position it as a hub of crypto, research and entrepreneurship.

Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino said:

“We are thrilled to collaborate with the Republic of Guinea to possibly unlock the immense potential of blockchain and digital technologies across Africa. This MoU reflects our commitment to helping countries build resilient digital economies. Together, we aim to implement efficient blockchain solutions that benefit both public and private sectors, paving the way for economic growth and establishing Guinea as a leader in technological innovation.”

Tether’s growth in recent years has included establishment of key partnerships and support programs with governments and institutions around the world. These include Plan ₿ Forum in Lugano, Switzerland, a crypto education program in Türkiye and P2P telecommunication infrastructure initiative in Uzbekistan.

USDT issuer Tether has also launched education courses and programs in Indonesia, Vietnam and Ivory Coast among other countries.

Its partnership with the Guinea government comes amid growing adoption of crypto in Africa. Guinea wants to tap into this trend for its digital transformation.

The MoU “lays the foundations for a solid technical framework,” added Pr Abdoulaye Baniré Diallo, project coordinator of Guinea’s City of Science and Innovation.

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Tether, government of Guinea partner to accelerate digital transformation

Source: https://coinjournal.net/news/tether-government-of-guinea-partner-to-accelerate-digital-transformation/