Paolo Ardoino

Senate Democrats allege that Tether’s USDT has become a major tool inside Iran’s cryptocurrency based shadow banking network. Tether says it works with authorities and has supported nearly $550 million in Iran linked freezes.

Tether said KPMG U.S. completed a full financial audit of Tether International and issued an unqualified opinion on its 2025 financial statements. The stablecoin issuer said the review showed reserves exceeded liabilities by $6.814 billion and included a physical inspection of its gold bars.

The GENIUS Act has reached its first anniversary with federal regulators still behind on implementing stablecoin rules. Tether’s USDT now faces a critical compliance window that could shape whether it remains available on U.S. crypto platforms.

Tether is expanding the utility of its bullion holdings by enabling borrowing against Tether Gold, or XAUT, through crypto lender Ledn. The move mirrors bitcoin-backed lending and could open a new stream of liquidity for gold holders without forcing a sale.