Tether CEO – 100,000 BTC Isn’t Enough—Tether Now Wants to Secure the Network

Tether CEO – In the latest episode of The Block’s Big Brain podcast, Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino revealed the company’s ambitious plan to become the largest bitcoin miner by the end of 2025. The stablecoin issuer, which has generated approximately $13 billion in profit in 2024 with a team of fewer than 200 employees, has been aggressively diversifying into several sectors including artificial intelligence, telecommunications, data centers, energy infrastructure, and bitcoin mining.

Strategic Move Beyond Pure Profit

According to Ardoino, Tether’s bitcoin mining ambitions are less about chasing commercial returns and more about aligning strategically with its core asset exposure. The firm recently disclosed holding over 100,000 BTC, worth more than $10 billion at current prices. Ardoino emphasized the importance of joining the “bitcoin mining security team” to help protect this massive investment.

He explained:
“If you have $1 million and need to choose between bitcoin mining or buying bitcoin directly, you would always make more money buying bitcoin directly. However, given our bitcoin exposure, it’s critical to support the network’s security. Realistically, by the end of this year, Tether will become the biggest bitcoin miner out there.”

Significant Investments Fuel Growth

Though Tether has not publicly disclosed its current mining hashrate, the firm has poured over $2 billion since 2023 into energy production and mining infrastructure across 15 sites in Uruguay, Paraguay, and El Salvador. Investments include new substations, renewable energy projects, and minority stakes in established mining farms. This follows an initial $500 million commitment in late 2023, marking the first tranche of a broader multi-billion-dollar expansion strategy still underway.

Current Bitcoin Mining Landscape

Leading bitcoin miners by hashrate include Marathon Digital Holdings (MARA) at 57.3 EH/s, CleanSpark at 50 EH/s, Iren at 38.4 EH/s, Riot Platforms at 33.7 EH/s, and Core Scientific at 19.1 EH/s, according to their latest reports. The total bitcoin network hashrate is currently estimated at around 810 EH/s.

The Vision: Stable Energy and Resilient Society

Ardoino framed bitcoin mining as part of a broader vision centered around “stable energy,” which he described as one of four essential pillars for long-term societal resilience, alongside stable money, communication, and intelligence. This philosophy underlines Tether’s commitment to a sustainable and secure ecosystem while expanding its bitcoin mining footprint.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Cryptocurrencies and stocks, particularly in micro-cap companies, are subject to significant volatility and risk. Please conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions.