#USDT
18 articles tagged #USDT — curated RWA tokenization coverage.
Token Terminal pivots to stablecoin and RWA data, tracking over 4,600 tokenized assets
Blockchain analytics platform Token Terminal has transitioned from a protocol-centric focus to an asset-first model, now tracking $345.6 billion in tokenized instruments. Since launching its dedicated page in November 2025, the platform has expanded its coverage from 300 to over 4,600 assets across 310 issuers and 45 blockchains. This shift reflects a broader industry trend toward analyzing individual asset performance, such as holder counts and transaction data, rather than just protocol revenue or total value locked. Stablecoins currently dominate this landscape, accounting for 94% of the tracked market capitalization, with Tether’s USDT alone representing approximately 60% of that segment. By June 2026, the platform reported over 270.9 million holders across its entire coverage universe, which includes tokenized funds, commodities, and equities. The introduction of dedicated RWA dashboards and issuer pages in mid-2026 allows users to evaluate tokenized asset issuers with the same rigor applied to traditional fund managers. This evolution highlights the growing maturity of on-chain infrastructure and the increasing demand for granular data to track real-world capital adoption. As the competitive landscape for RWA analytics intensifies, Token Terminal aims to provide a comprehensive view by integrating asset-level insights with its established protocol metrics.
USDT Demand Remains Robust Globally Despite EU MiCA Delistings
Despite the implementation of the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework in December 2024, Tether's USDT has maintained robust global demand. Major exchanges including Coinbase and Kraken have delisted the stablecoin for European users to comply with new regulatory requirements regarding reserves and authorization. However, research from Artemis analyst Alex Weseley indicates that these regional restrictions have not resulted in any measurable shift in global USDT supply, demand, or cross-chain activity. The stablecoin continues to serve as critical financial infrastructure in emerging markets such as Argentina, Turkey, and Nigeria. In these regions, users rely on USDT for remittances, savings, and payments to hedge against local currency volatility and inflation. This resilience highlights the disconnect between regional regulatory headwinds and the broader, utility-driven adoption of stablecoins. Ultimately, the data suggests that while MiCA shapes European market access, it does not diminish the fundamental value proposition of USDT as a global financial tool.
Tether completes first full financial audit, receives clean KPMG opinion
Tether has achieved a significant milestone by completing its first full independent financial audit for the 2025 fiscal year, receiving an unqualified opinion from KPMG US. This audit confirms that Tether’s reserves exceeded its liabilities by $6.814 billion as of December 31, 2025. Unlike previous quarterly attestations, this comprehensive examination verified the company’s balance sheet, income statements, and cash flows, including physical inspection of gold holdings. The audit provides increased transparency for the issuer of USDT, which currently holds a $183 billion market capitalization and dominates 61% of the stablecoin sector. Tether’s financial strength is bolstered by substantial income from U.S. Treasury holdings and repurchase agreements, which contributed to over $10 billion in net profit during 2025. Beyond its core stablecoin business, the company is actively expanding into RWA sectors, including its Tether Gold (XAUt) product, which is currently the largest tokenized commodity with $2.7 billion in value. This audit marks a shift toward higher institutional-grade reporting standards, which is critical for the broader adoption and credibility of stablecoins and tokenized assets within the global financial ecosystem.
Tether’s Hadron Partners With First Data and BKN301 for Saudi Arabia Tokenization
Tether reported a net operating profit of approximately $1.50 billion for the second quarter of 2026, primarily driven by its holdings in U.S. Treasuries and repo agreements. The company's total assets reached a valuation of $187.75 billion, reflecting significant growth in its reserve base. Additionally, Tether Gold (XAUT) saw a 9.5% increase in total holdings during the same period, even as the market price of gold experienced a 14.1% decline. On-chain data from Whale Alert tracked a substantial transfer of 500 million USDT from Binance’s hot wallet to the Tether treasury. Meanwhile, trading volume for the KRW-USDT pair on the Upbit exchange surged to nearly 140 million USDT on July 29, representing a significant increase from previous levels. These developments highlight the continued expansion of Tether's reserve management and the growing liquidity of its stablecoin products in regional markets. The financial performance underscores the role of traditional debt instruments in supporting the stability and scale of the Tether ecosystem.
Nairobi Securities Exchange partners Tether for tokenization
The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Tether to explore the tokenization of financial assets using Tether’s Hadron platform. This partnership aims to modernize market infrastructure by integrating blockchain technology to improve operational efficiency and broaden investor access. A core component of the collaboration involves implementing KYC and AML compliant onboarding processes to ensure regulatory integrity. Furthermore, the parties are evaluating the use of USDT as a settlement asset to enhance liquidity and facilitate increased capital flows within the Kenyan market. Tether will also provide educational support regarding distributed ledger technology and tokenization for brokers and retail investors. This initiative represents a significant step for the NSE as it seeks to integrate digital assets into its broader innovation strategy. The move highlights the growing interest among emerging market exchanges in leveraging stablecoin infrastructure to bridge traditional finance with digital asset ecosystems.
USDT Delisted in the EU: Why Tether Skipped MiCA - tech
As of July 1, 2026, MiCA-licensed exchanges across the European Economic Area (EEA) ceased offering USDT trading pairs, marking a significant regulatory shift for the world's largest stablecoin. Tether, with approximately $184 billion in circulation, opted not to pursue e-money token authorization under MiCA, citing objections to rules requiring 60% of reserves in EU bank deposits as incompatible with its operational scale. This decision has created a bifurcated market where EEA residents can legally hold USDT in self-custody but cannot trade it on regulated platforms within the bloc. The regulatory vacuum has notably shifted liquidity for European users towards decentralized exchanges (DEXs), a trend regulators are observing. Conversely, Circle's USDC, with an $80 billion market capitalization, has emerged as the dominant authorized e-money token in the EEA, having secured a French electronic money institution license that passports across all 30 member states. Tether, despite the delisting, strategically invested in MiCA-compliant European issuers like StablR and Quantoz, maintaining regulated exposure without subjecting its flagship token to the contested reserve mandates. This event underscores the profound impact of regional regulatory frameworks on global stablecoin adoption and market dynamics.
Bloomberg investigation examines Tether’s lobbying efforts ahead of GENIUS Act
A Bloomberg investigation has detailed Tether's extensive lobbying efforts to influence the development and passage of the U.S. GENIUS Act, the nation's first federal regulatory framework for payment stablecoins. The report alleges that Tether executives and advisers engaged with key figures in the Trump administration, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and adviser David Sacks, to shape specific provisions regarding foreign issuers. These negotiations reportedly focused on critical areas such as compliance requirements for overseas entities, reserve management rules, and the transition timelines for foreign-issued stablecoins entering the U.S. market. By analyzing court filings, financial disclosures, and interviews with officials, the investigation highlights how Tether sought to secure favorable regulatory conditions for its USDT stablecoin. The final version of the GENIUS Act reflects several adjustments made during these intense legislative debates, impacting how international issuers must operate within the U.S. financial system. This development is significant for the RWA market as it underscores the growing intersection between major stablecoin issuers and federal policy-making. The outcome of these lobbying efforts directly affects the competitive landscape for dollar-pegged assets and the broader integration of tokenized liquidity into the U.S. economy.
OKX Launches Unified Tokenized Stocks, Expanding Investor Access to Blockchain-Based US Stocks
OKX is launching Unified Tokenized Stocks, a new service enabling users to gain price exposure to over 40 major U.S. equities and ETFs, including Apple, Nvidia, and the S&P 500. Scheduled for launch on July 15-16, 2026, the platform targets investors across Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, the CIS region, the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey. The service utilizes xStocks issued by Backed Assets, which are fully backed by the underlying shares held by the issuer. By implementing a single order book, OKX aims to consolidate liquidity from various issuers to improve price efficiency and market depth. Investors can trade these assets 24/7 using USDT pairs directly within their existing crypto accounts, bypassing the need for traditional brokerage setups. While users gain price exposure, they do not receive shareholder rights such as voting, and dividends are handled via an automated reinvestment mechanism. This development highlights the growing trend of integrating traditional capital market instruments into blockchain ecosystems to enhance global accessibility.
Revolut to Delist USDT for European Users as MiCA Rules Reshape Stablecoin Access
Revolut has announced the delisting of USDT for its European customers to ensure compliance with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. Users were permitted to purchase USDT until July 6, with a final deadline of August 31 to trade or transfer holdings to external wallets. Any remaining balances after this date will be automatically converted into the user's home currency. This move by the $75 billion valuation fintech firm, which serves over 75 million customers, highlights the growing regulatory pressure on stablecoin issuers that fail to meet MiCA's strict licensing and reserve requirements. Tether, the issuer of USDT, has struggled to align its operational model with these new EU standards, leading to restricted access across various regional platforms. Simultaneously, Tether’s recent suspension of 131 TRON wallets following OFAC sanctions underscores the broader trend of increased oversight in the digital asset space. These developments signal a significant shift in the RWA market, where regulatory compliance is becoming the primary determinant for stablecoin accessibility and institutional adoption. As major financial service providers prioritize legal certainty, the landscape for non-compliant assets in the EU is rapidly narrowing.
Bitfinex Relaunches Tokenized Bonds on Bitcoin Sidechain
Bitfinex Securities has officially resumed the issuance of tokenized bonds for the Luxembourg-based fund ALTERNATIVE, targeting a fundraising volume exceeding $10 million. These financial instruments are denominated in USDT and utilize the Liquid Network, a Bitcoin sidechain, to facilitate on-chain issuance, coupon payments, and principal repayments. By leveraging Tether's Hadron platform for token management, Bitfinex Securities continues to expand its portfolio, which currently encompasses approximately $250 million in regulated tokenized assets. The platform operates under licenses in the Astana International Financial Centre and El Salvador, providing a comprehensive ecosystem for issuance and secondary market trading. This development highlights the growing integration of stablecoins into traditional debt markets, a trend that has drawn scrutiny from major financial institutions. Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan has cautioned that such high-yielding digital products could potentially siphon $6 trillion in deposits away from the traditional banking sector. As the industry evolves, the potential for legislative progress, such as the CLARITY Act, remains a critical factor for the future of regulated RWA tokenization.
MiCA Rollout Shows Limited Impact On Dominance, Kaiko Analysis Reports
Kaiko Research reports that the implementation of the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation has caused minimal disruption to the broader digital asset market. Despite the looming July 1, 2026, deadline for stablecoin compliance, trading activity and liquidity remain firmly anchored to USDT and BTC spot markets. Initial market fears regarding a potential decline in USDT dominance have failed to materialize, suggesting that current regulatory pressures have not yet forced a structural shift in liquidity. Tether continues to develop local compliance solutions to align with the new framework while maintaining its dominant market position. This stability indicates that institutional and retail participants are prioritizing established liquidity pools over immediate regulatory shifts. For the RWA market, this resilience highlights the continued importance of stablecoins as the primary bridge between fiat and on-chain assets. Monitoring these regulatory developments remains critical as the industry navigates the transition toward full MiCA compliance.
Why Tether Turned Its Back On Europe's MiCA Stablecoin Rulebook
Tether has officially exited the European market for its USDT stablecoin following the implementation of the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation on July 1, 2024. The company declined to pursue the required e-money license, citing concerns that MiCA's mandate to hold 60% of reserves in EU banks creates systemic risk and liquidity vulnerabilities. Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino argued that this reserve structure could strain both the stablecoin and European lenders during periods of high redemption demand. Consequently, major exchanges including Binance, Kraken, and Coinbase have restricted or removed USDT trading pairs for European clients to maintain regulatory compliance. This shift creates a significant competitive opening for Circle, whose USDC and EURC tokens meet MiCA requirements and remain available on regulated venues. While USDT remains the world's largest stablecoin with a market capitalization exceeding $180 billion, its exclusion from the European regulated ecosystem marks a major divergence in global stablecoin standards. The move highlights the ongoing tension between decentralized global assets and regional regulatory frameworks that prioritize local banking oversight.
Tether’s USDT Locked Out of EU Exchanges as MiCA Deadline Hits
Tether has reportedly begun restricting access to its USDT stablecoin for users on European exchanges as the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation deadline approaches. The new regulatory framework imposes strict requirements on stablecoin issuers, including mandatory authorization as an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) and specific reserve management standards. Tether has expressed concerns regarding the technical and regulatory feasibility of these requirements, particularly regarding the custody of reserves and the potential for forced liquidity events. This development marks a significant shift in the RWA landscape, as USDT currently serves as the primary liquidity layer for the broader crypto ecosystem. By limiting access to the most widely used stablecoin, European exchanges face potential volume declines and increased competition from compliant alternatives. The situation highlights the growing friction between decentralized global assets and localized regulatory regimes like MiCA. This move underscores the broader challenge of integrating dollar-pegged RWA tokens into strictly regulated financial jurisdictions without compromising their operational model.
Can Tokenized Stocks Replace Brokerage Accounts? (2026 Guide)
Bitget is evolving the brokerage landscape by integrating tokenized equity exposure alongside traditional stock trading within a single ecosystem. Through its Stocks 2.0 platform, the exchange utilizes Reality-powered rTokens to provide 1:1 economic mapping, allowing users to gain exposure to equities using USDT. Simultaneously, the Stock+ feature facilitates access to real U.S. stocks and ETFs by connecting users with licensed brokerage infrastructure. While tokenized stocks offer benefits like fractional ownership, stablecoin-based funding, and 24/7 accessibility, they do not currently replace traditional brokerage accounts. Traditional accounts remain essential for legal ownership, voting rights, tax reporting, and robust investor protections. This hybrid approach demonstrates how crypto-native platforms are bridging the gap between blockchain efficiency and regulated financial markets. Ultimately, the industry is moving toward a model where tokenized assets serve as a complementary access layer rather than a total substitute for conventional securities infrastructure.
Tokenized Stocks: Custody & Counterparty Risks (2026 Guide)
Bitget has introduced Stocks 2.0, a tokenized equity model designed to bridge traditional finance and crypto by providing 1:1 economic exposure to U.S. stocks. The platform utilizes Reality, a regulated issuance platform, to ensure that every rToken is fully collateralized by real securities held in segregated custody accounts. These underlying assets are managed by FINRA-registered, SIPC-member broker-dealers with final registration at the DTCC. To mitigate counterparty and custody risks, the model features independently verifiable onchain reserve ratios maintained above 100%. Investors receive economic benefits such as price performance and stablecoin-denominated dividends, though they hold a contractual beneficial interest rather than direct legal ownership. By integrating Proof of Asset dashboards and third-party attestation, the initiative aims to increase transparency in the tokenized stock market. This structure highlights the critical importance of understanding the layered relationships between issuers, custodians, and brokers in the RWA ecosystem.
$1.28M in Tokenized Real Estate Sales: Sabai Protocol Tested the Model on the Ukrainian Market
During 2025, the Sabai Property platform successfully generated over $1.28 million in tokenized real estate sales, with the majority of demand originating from the Ukrainian market. By leveraging partnerships with investment clubs, influencers, and Web3 communities, the protocol proved that investors are willing to complete KYC and purchase property tokens using USDT or bank cards. The platform features projects such as Layan Green Park and Layan Verde, allowing investors to enter the real estate market with a minimum investment of $50 per token. This milestone validates a fully digital investor journey that bypasses traditional offline brokerage models and personal negotiations. For the broader RWA market, this case study demonstrates that tokenization can serve as a viable capital-raising channel when supported by robust infrastructure, including legal frameworks and transparent documentation. The success in Ukraine highlights how high crypto adoption regions can drive significant volume for fractionalized assets. Ultimately, Sabai Protocol’s model confirms that tokenization is a scalable solution for developers seeking to reach international audiences through a streamlined, tech-enabled marketplace.
BIS maps stablecoin yield models. Do interest bans target the right one?
The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has released a bulletin categorizing stablecoin yield models into reserve-based and activity-based structures, highlighting significant differences in risk profiles. Reserve-based models, such as Coinbase's USDC implementation, pass through returns from reserve assets and closely track the federal funds rate. Conversely, activity-based models like Binance's Simple Earn deploy customer funds into lending and trading operations, with yields driven primarily by crypto market volatility rather than benchmark interest rates. During 2024, Binance USDT borrowing rates reached 40-50%, reflecting high counterparty risk due to the commingling of assets. The BIS warns that current regulatory interest prohibitions in the EU and US often target the lower-risk reserve-based model while potentially overlooking the systemic risks inherent in activity-based platforms. This distinction is critical for the RWA market as it clarifies how stablecoin yields are generated and where hidden counterparty exposures reside. The collapse of Genesis and the subsequent impact on Gemini Earn users serve as a cautionary example of the risks associated with non-segregated client funds in activity-based models.
Bitget Expands Tokenized Stocks As New York and EU Police Stablecoin Trade Risks
Bitget has launched Bitget Stocks 2.0, an upgraded tokenized stock spot product designed to enhance liquidity, transparency, and capital efficiency for users trading equity-linked assets. The platform utilizes 1:1 economic mapping, where tokens are backed by real shares held at a FINRA-registered, SIPC-protected U.S. broker-dealer. This release features 36 newly listed assets, including major equities like Apple, Meta, and NVIDIA, alongside ETFs such as QQQ. Corporate actions, including cash dividends and stock splits, are automatically reflected in user accounts via USDT conversions or token balance adjustments. The launch occurs as regulators in New York and the European Union increase scrutiny on stablecoin-linked market activities, which are central to the trading and settlement of these assets. Bitget reported that its cumulative tokenized stock spot volume exceeded $1 billion as of January 2026, highlighting the growing demand for bridging crypto and traditional financial markets. CEO Gracy Chen noted that tokenized equities serve as a critical link, projecting that over 10% of global financial assets could be tokenized by 2030.