Crypto: Tether Surpasses South Korea With $127 Billion in U.S. Treasury Holdings
Tether no longer plays in the small leagues. The issuer of USDT becomes the 18th largest global holder of US Treasury bonds, alongside states. And that is not a detail. Tether surpasses South Korea, a G20 member, with $127 billion in US Treasury bonds held. Yes, you read that right. A company from crypto outperforms an industrial state in government bonds.
In Brief
- Tether holds $127 billion in US Treasury bonds, ahead of South Korea.
- The USDT stablecoin explodes with $26 billion issued in 2025.
- Crypto becomes a key player in global finance.
A sovereign portfolio for a crypto company
In its attestation report for the second quarter of 2025, Tether positions itself to claim the top spot in the race to mining by unveiling an impressive progression: $127 billion in Treasury bonds, including $105.5 billion in direct exposure and $21.3 billion via indirect instruments. In three months, that is a net increase of $7 billion, confirming the group’s constant growth momentum.
Already in May, Tether had surpassed Germany, grabbing 19th place globally. Today, its holdings in US Treasury bonds reach $127 billion, allowing it to outperform South Korea and approach Saudi Arabia. More than an economic signal, it is a symbolic shock: an entity from crypto becomes a major player in US public debt, ahead of several sovereign states.
This is no accident. This strategy aims to lend credibility to USDT by backing it with solid, liquid, and universally recognized assets. Fully assumed.
USDT in full expansion, confidence rising
Tether’s surge in the bond market reflects the organic growth of its flagship stablecoin. Since January, USDT capitalization has risen from $137 billion to $163.6 billion, a 19% increase.
Twenty-six billion new tokens have been issued, proof of growing interest in stable digital payment methods. The boom is explained by monetary uncertainty, local devaluation, and the global need for a reliable digital dollar equivalent.
Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, does not hide his satisfaction. In the attestation report, he states that confidence in Tether keeps growing. And on X (formerly Twitter), he even added a touch of irony by sharing a viral meme with a simple comment: “I told you so.”
Tether enters the big leagues. With $127 billion in US Treasury bonds, the USDT issuer surpasses states like South Korea and confirms its role as a pillar between crypto and global finance. It is no longer just a crypto company; it is now a heavyweight with sovereign ambitions, whose influence exceeds that of some G20 member states G20.
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Fascinated by Bitcoin since 2017, Evariste has continuously researched the subject. While his initial interest was in trading, he now actively seeks to understand all advances centered on cryptocurrencies. As an editor, he strives to consistently deliver high-quality work that reflects the state of the sector as a whole.
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and should not be taken as investment advice. Do your own research before taking any investment decisions.