In a move underscoring its commitment to the web3 and cryptocurrency sector, Tether, the issuer of the world’s largest stablecoin USDT in terms of market cap and overall global adoption, expanded its Bitcoin portfolio by acquiring approximately 8,888 BTC during the final quarter of 2025. CEO Paolo Ardoino highlighted this addition, noting it reflects the company’s firm belief in Bitcoin’s role as a reliable long-term asset.
This latest buildup elevates Tether‘s overall Bitcoin stash to more than 96,000 BTC, valued at roughly $8.4 billion based on prevailing prices, according to data from Arkham Intelligence.
Tether acquired 8,888.8888888 BTC in Q4 2025.https://t.co/vMh1uzv1wO
— Paolo Ardoino 🤖 (@paoloardoino) December 31, 2025
On-chain experts, including analyst Ember, now rank Tether’s primary reserve address as the fifth-largest Bitcoin holder globally.
Blockchain tracking revealed key transactions supporting this growth: a withdrawal of about 961 BTC from affiliated exchange Bitfinex in November, followed by a substantial transfer of 8,888 BTC to the reserve wallet in early 2026.
Ember’s analysis suggests total Q4 purchases may have reached nearly 9,850 BTC, equating to around $876 million in value.
The strategy traces back to Tether’s 2023 announcement to direct up to 15% of its quarterly realized profits toward Bitcoin investments.
This approach aims to enhance the variety of assets that are said to be backing USDT, complementing traditional holdings like U.S. Treasuries.
Tether’s accumulation aligns with a broader trend of growing institutional adoption of Bitcoin in 2025.
Numerous corporations and investment firms incorporated the digital asset into their balance sheets and portfolio strategies, viewing it as a hedge against inflation and a potential treasury reserve.
Yet, this enthusiasm faced headwinds toward year-end as the cryptocurrency sector experienced a pullback.
Bitcoin‘s price dipped under the $90,000 mark amid wider market corrections, tempering the earlier surge in momentum.
Despite short-term fluctuations, Tether‘s consistent Bitcoin buys signal sustained optimism.
By leveraging operational profits for these purchases—rather than dipping into stablecoin / other reserves—the company positions itself as a major player in Bitcoin’s institutional landscape.
As USDT continues to dominate stablecoin circulation, Tether’s treasury decisions could influence broader market dynamics in 2026 and beyond.
