Tether Explores $15–20B Private Raise

Tether is reportedly exploring a private raise of about $15–20 billion by selling roughly 3% of the company, implying a valuation near $500 billion, with Cantor Fitzgerald advising. Early talks have named potential investors including SoftBank and ARK, and CEO Paolo Ardoino confirmed discussions with a “selected group of high‑profile” investors, saying proceeds could fund expansion into commodities, energy, media and a U.S. stablecoin (USA₮). USDT remains the largest stablecoin at roughly $173–174 billion outstanding, and Tether reported about $4.9 billion in Q2 2025 profit even as it continued to mint USDT and saw exchange reserves hit record highs. The proposed transaction would involve new equity rather than a secondary sale and could close by year‑end, though terms are preliminary and may change. Market observers have voiced skepticism about a $500 billion valuation given regulatory, transparency and past reserve disputes, and Ardoino said Tether has no immediate plans for an IPO.