Tether's $100M Stake in VCI's OOB Tokens Bridges Traditional Finance and Blockchain

VCI Global Limited (NASDAQ: VCIG) has solidified its position in the digital asset space after acquiring $100 million in OOB tokens, a move that will see Tether, the world's largest stablecoin issuer, become its largest shareholder. The transaction, announced on November 11, 2025, involves a combination of restricted share issuance and secondary market purchases, positioning VCI Global at the intersection of blockchain innovation and institutional finance, according to a Marketscreener report.

The deal structure includes VCI Global acquiring $50 million worth of OOB tokens at a $200 million market capitalization ($0.20 per token) through the issuance of restricted shares to the OOB Foundation. An additional $50 million will be purchased on the secondary market following the token's public launch, as reported by a GlobeNewswire release. The OOB token powers OOBIT, a tap-to-pay and cross-border payments platform backed by Tether, Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko, and venture firms CMCC Global and 468 Capital.

OOBIT's integration of blockchain into everyday financial transactions aligns with VCI Global's strategy to develop scalable platforms across AI, fintech, and digital treasury systems, a Seeking Alpha article noted.

Tether's growing influence in the deal is notable. With a market capitalization of approximately $180 billion and reserves of tens of billions in U.S. Treasury bills and cash equivalents, the stablecoin giant's stake in OOBIT positions it as VCI Global's largest shareholder, according to the Marketscreener report. This partnership underscores Tether's expanding role in bridging traditional finance and decentralized ecosystems. "We are not simply completing a digital-asset transaction. VCIG is a well-rounded platform advancing multiple sectors, from AI to finance to infrastructure," said Moshe Schisser, Chairman of OOBIT, in the GlobeNewswire release.

VCI Global's Digital Treasury Division will oversee the integration of OOB tokens into its operations, supporting AI, fintech, and sovereign data projects under its Nasdaq-listed governance framework. The company also announced plans to establish a digital treasury initiative, leveraging the OOB token's utility for cross-border remittances, loyalty programs, and multi-chain interoperability, as noted in a Investing.com report.

Market reactions have been mixed. While the deal signals strategic growth, VCIG shares fell 26.55% on Tuesday, reflecting investor caution amid broader market volatility, a The Block article reported. However, analysts highlight the transaction's potential to accelerate adoption of stablecoin-based payments. OOBIT's platform already processes an average of $8.36 per transaction in the European Union, with 70% of crypto payments directed to food-and-beverage and retail sectors, as reported in a Coinotag article.

The OOB token is also undergoing a rebrand, migrating from the BNB Chain to Solana to enhance scalability and reduce transaction costs. The migration, which began on November 9, precedes the token's official launch on November 12 and includes an airdrop for eligible holders, according to a FXDailyReport article.

VCI Global's chairman, Dato' Victor Hoo, emphasized the company's long-term vision: "This development reinforces our commitment to building a cross-sector platform that advances technology, AI, digital assets, and industry applications through the capital markets," in the GlobeNewswire release.

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