Tether Aims for $500 Billion Valuation with Banking-Inspired Strategy as Stablecoin Leader

Tether Holdings SA, the company behind the world’s leading stablecoin

, is reportedly in the final stages of securing a funding round between $15 billion and $20 billion, which could push its valuation as high as $500 billion, according to several sources. Major tech investors SoftBank Group Corp. and Investment Management LLC are among those being considered for participation in this private funding. Should the deal go through, it would mark one of the largest capital infusions in the crypto industry’s history and elevate to the ranks of the world’s most valuable privately held companies SoftBank, Ark in Talks to Invest in Tether’s Major Funding Round [ 1 ].

This funding round, which would see Tether sell about a 3% equity stake, highlights the increasing interest from institutional investors in stablecoins. As of September 2025, USDT commands a $173.5 billion market cap, accounting for 63% of the stablecoin sector. Tether earns revenue by investing its reserves—primarily in U.S. Treasuries and other liquid assets—into interest-generating products. In the second quarter of 2025, Tether posted a net profit of $4.9 billion, bringing its year-to-date earnings to $5.7 billion SoftBank and Ark Invest reportedly join Tether’s $20 billion funding round [ 4 ]. The company’s approach has drawn parallels to traditional banks, as its reserves consistently yield returns while maintaining a one-to-one backing with the U.S. dollar.

SoftBank, under the leadership of founder Masayoshi Son, is known for bold investments in fast-growing tech firms, including stakes in OpenAI and data center infrastructure. Ark, led by Cathie Wood, has previously backed Circle Internet Group Inc., Tether’s main rival in the stablecoin market. Circle’s

token has a market cap of $74 billion, which is considerably less than Tether’s. The involvement of these prominent investors could enhance Tether’s standing in both traditional finance and regulatory environments, especially as it seeks greater acceptance in the U.S. SoftBank, Ark in Talks to Invest in Tether’s Major Funding Round [ 1 ].

To strengthen its regulatory presence, Tether has introduced a U.S.-compliant stablecoin called USAT, designed to meet the standards of the GENIUS Act. The company also brought on Bo Hines, a former White House crypto advisor during the Trump administration, to head its U.S. division. These initiatives demonstrate Tether’s efforts to address ongoing concerns about its involvement in alleged illicit finance and to establish itself as a major force in the evolving American crypto market SoftBank and Ark Invest reportedly join Tether’s $20 billion funding round [ 4 ].

The fundraising is being managed by Cantor Fitzgerald LP, an investment bank with strong connections to the Trump administration. Howard Lutnick, the firm’s former CEO and current U.S. Commerce Secretary, is overseeing both advisory and asset custody services for Tether. This partnership adds political and regulatory weight to the transaction as Tether navigates complex legal frameworks in the U.S. and abroad SoftBank, Ark in Talks to Invest in Tether’s Major Funding Round [ 1 ].

Experts suggest this deal could transform the stablecoin industry, which has grown 40% this year to a total value locked of $287 billion. Citigroup recently estimated that stablecoins could reach a $4 trillion market cap by 2030 in a bullish scenario, fueled by their ability to simplify cross-border payments and lessen dependence on traditional banks Tether (USDT) Fundraising Interest Reportedly From Softbank, Ark … [ 2 ]. Tether’s leading position, robust financials, and strategic alliances put it in a strong position to capitalize on this expansion.

If Tether achieves a $500 billion valuation, its chairman, Giancarlo Devasini, would see his stake valued at around $224 billion—surpassing Warren Buffett’s net worth. CEO Paolo Ardoino and former CEO Jean-Louis van der Velde would each hold shares worth about $95 billion, further establishing Tether as a dominant financial entity SoftBank, Ark Invest make shortlist for Tether’s $20B funding round [ 3 ].

The final outcome of the fundraising depends on regulatory clearance and market dynamics. Nevertheless, the interest from SoftBank and Ark marks a significant turning point for Tether as it aims to strengthen its foothold in both the crypto and traditional financial sectors. This deal could set a new standard for private company valuations in digital assets and draw more institutional investment into the stablecoin arena SoftBank, Ark in Talks to Invest in Tether’s Major Funding Round [ 1 ].