Bitcoin News Today: Tether's Bitcoin Transfer Unveils Safe-Haven Strategy

Tether, the issuer of the world’s largest stablecoin, has denied rumors suggesting it sold Bitcoin to accumulate gold. These claims, which surfaced after independent analyst Clive Thompson cited a reduction in Tether’s Bitcoin holdings between the first and second quarters of 2025, were swiftly refuted by Tether’s CEO, Paolo Ardoino, and Samson Mow, CEO of Jan3. According to Tether’s attestation data from BDO, its Bitcoin reserves dropped from 92,650 BTC in Q1 2025 to 83,274 BTC in Q2 2025, prompting speculation that the firm had liquidated part of its position. However, Mow clarified that Tether had not sold Bitcoin but had instead transferred 19,800 BTC—14,000 BTC in June and an additional 5,800 BTC in July—to XXI, a Bitcoin-native financial initiative led by Jack Mallers. This transfer, Mow explained, actually resulted in a net increase in Tether’s Bitcoin holdings, with the firm ending Q2 with over 4,600 BTC more than it had at the end of Q1. Ardoino confirmed these details, stating that Tether “didn’t sell any Bitcoin” and emphasizing the company’s ongoing commitment to investing profits into Bitcoin, gold, and land as safe-haven assets [1].

Tether’s clarification came amid growing market sensitivity to any developments involving the stablecoin issuer, whose USDt (USDT) stablecoin has over $100 billion in circulation. The firm’s asset allocation decisions are closely watched by traders and critics, as any perceived instability in its reserves could ripple across the broader crypto ecosystem. Tether’s holdings in Bitcoin, currently over 100,521 BTC, are valued at approximately $11.17 billion according to BitcoinTreasuries.NET, reinforcing the company’s significant presence in the digital asset space. In response to the rumors, Ardoino reaffirmed Tether’s bullish stance on Bitcoin and reiterated its strategy of diversifying into gold and other tangible assets as part of a broader effort to shield against global economic uncertainty. He described Tether as “the Stable Company,” a clear reference to its role in maintaining the stability of the crypto market despite external pressures [2].

The rumors of a Tether Bitcoin sell-off coincided with El Salvador’s recent addition of $50 million worth of gold to its foreign reserves—a move aimed at diversifying its holdings away from the U.S. dollar. This development highlighted a broader trend among countries and institutions to hedge against fiat currency volatility using hard assets. Tether itself has been expanding its gold holdings, with reports indicating that the company has accumulated nearly 80 tons of gold stored in Zurich vaults, valued at $8.7 billion. Additionally, Tether has ventured into the gold mining supply chain, a move that has drawn both skepticism and interest within the mining industry. The stablecoin issuer also launched its gold-backed token, XAUT, which has recently surpassed a $1.3 billion market cap, according to Whale Insider [3].

Tether’s strategy of maintaining a hybrid reserve model—combining Bitcoin, gold, and other assets—has positioned it at the center of a growing trend among crypto firms to hedge against macroeconomic risks. Ardoino emphasized that Bitcoin remains the cornerstone of Tether’s treasury approach, with profits being reinvested into the digital asset alongside gold and real estate. This strategy aligns with the firm’s broader vision of stability and resilience, especially in an environment where global economic conditions are increasingly unpredictable. The recent transfer of Bitcoin to XXI also underscores Tether’s commitment to supporting Bitcoin-native initiatives, which are seen as crucial for the long-term development of the ecosystem. The move is expected to enhance liquidity in Bitcoin-related projects and may contribute to increased trading volumes in BTC/USDT pairs on major exchanges [4].

The market’s reaction to the rumors reflects the heightened scrutiny that Tether faces in the crypto space. Despite the swift and detailed rebuttals from both Ardoino and Mow, the initial speculation had already sparked significant discussion among traders and analysts. Mow remarked on the desperation for bearish Bitcoin news in the current environment, suggesting that market participants were eager to find any cracks in Tether’s strategy. However, the clarity provided by the firm’s leadership has helped to quell the immediate concerns, with Tether reaffirming its position as one of the largest institutional buyers of Bitcoin. As the firm continues to expand its asset base, its actions are likely to have a ripple effect on broader market sentiment, particularly in relation to Bitcoin’s role as a safe-haven asset. Tether’s ongoing investments in gold and land, alongside its commitment to Bitcoin, signal a long-term strategy that seeks to balance digital innovation with traditional value stores [5].

Source: [1] Tether denies Bitcoin sell-off rumors, confirms buying BTC, gold and land (https://cointelegraph.com/news/tether-denies-bitcoin-sell-off-invests-btc-gold-land) [2] Did Tether Sell Bitcoin for Gold? Paolo Ardoino Shuts Down the Rumors (https://captainaltcoin.com/did-tether-sell-bitcoin-for-gold-paolo-ardoino-shuts-down-the-rumors) [3] Did Tether Sell Bitcoin For Gold? CEO Paolo Ardoino Reveals Truth (https://cryptorank.io/news/feed/9b4cd-did-tether-sell-bitcoin-for-gold-ceo-paolo-ardoino-reveals-truth) [4] Tether CEO Breaks Silence on Bitcoin and Gold Rumors (https://beincrypto.com/tether-ceo-paolo-ardoino-bitcoin-gold) [5] Tether Confirms No BTC Sales; Contributes BTC to XXI and Continues Allocations to Bitcoin (BTC), Gold, and Land (https://blockchain.news/flashnews/tether-confirms-no-btc-sales)