Tether’s mega fundraise draws top investors as it expands beyond yield income

Citi has raised its forecast for the stablecoin market cap, predicting it could reach $4 trillion by 2030. This optimistic outlook is based on expected growth, with a base case of $1.9 trillion by 2025. This matters because it highlights the increasing acceptance and potential of stablecoins in the financial ecosystem, suggesting a significant shift in how digital currencies could be integrated into mainstream finance.

Tether, the largest stablecoin issuer, is in talks with major firms like SoftBank and Ark Invest for a funding round that could raise between $15 billion and $20 billion. This investment could elevate Tether's valuation to an impressive $500 billion, highlighting the growing confidence in the stablecoin market. Such a significant capital influx would not only strengthen Tether's market position but also reflect the increasing institutional interest in cryptocurrencies.

SoftBank Group and Ark Investment Management are eyeing a significant opportunity to join Tether Holdings' latest $20 billion funding round. This move could potentially elevate Tether to a leading position among cryptocurrency companies, highlighting the growing interest and confidence in the stablecoin market. As major players like SoftBank and Ark get involved, it signals a positive trend for the future of digital currencies.

SoftBank and Ark Invest are reportedly in talks to join Tether's significant funding round, aiming to raise between $15 billion and $20 billion for a 3% equity stake. This move could elevate Tether's valuation to $500 billion, highlighting the growing interest in stablecoins and their potential impact on the cryptocurrency market. Such investments not only bolster Tether's financial standing but also signal confidence from major players in the future of digital currencies.

Softbank and Cathie Wood's Ark Invest are reportedly among the potential investors in Tether's latest fundraising efforts. This development is significant as it highlights the growing interest from major financial players in the cryptocurrency space, particularly in stablecoins like Tether. Such investments could bolster Tether's position in the market and enhance its credibility, which is crucial for the overall stability of the crypto ecosystem.

SoftBank and ARK Invest are reportedly in talks to participate in Tether's multibillion-dollar funding round, highlighting a growing institutional interest in stablecoins. This move could significantly reshape the crypto landscape and enhance Tether's influence in the market. As more major players consider investing in stablecoins, it signals a shift in how cryptocurrencies are perceived and utilized, potentially leading to greater adoption and innovation in the sector.

A recent report by blockchain analytics firm Elliptic reveals that a network of crypto wallets linked to Russian state entities has facilitated the movement of over $8 billion in digital assets to evade Western sanctions. This alarming development highlights how sanctioned Russian businesses are increasingly relying on stablecoins like Tether's USDT to maintain their operations, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current sanctions and the potential for cryptocurrencies to undermine financial regulations.

Plasma's XPL token has made headlines by reaching a remarkable $2.5 billion market cap, largely fueled by its recent partnership with Tether. This surge highlights the growing interest in stablecoin infrastructure among traders, indicating a shift in market dynamics. As stablecoins become more integral to the cryptocurrency ecosystem, Plasma's success could pave the way for further innovations and partnerships in the space.

As we look towards 2025, layer-1 blockchains are solidifying their role as the backbone of the crypto ecosystem. With new regulations for stablecoins being established and tokenized assets making their debut, the resilience and importance of these foundational technologies are becoming increasingly clear. This evolution is crucial as it not only enhances the stability of the crypto market but also paves the way for broader adoption and innovation in the financial landscape.

Cloudflare has launched the Net Dollar, a new stablecoin designed specifically for AI agents. This innovative cryptocurrency aims to facilitate seamless transactions in the rapidly evolving AI landscape, making it easier for businesses and developers to integrate AI solutions. The introduction of the Net Dollar is significant as it highlights the growing intersection of blockchain technology and artificial intelligence, potentially transforming how digital assets are utilized in various sectors.

Citigroup has raised its forecast for the stablecoin market to an impressive $1.9 trillion by 2030, reflecting a growing confidence in this digital asset class. Despite this optimistic projection, the bank cautions that institutional adoption remains low, currently rated at just 0.5 out of 10. This news is significant as it highlights the potential for growth in the stablecoin sector, which could reshape financial transactions and investments in the coming years.

Citi's revised forecast suggests that the stablecoin market could soar to $4 trillion by 2030, highlighting a significant growth potential in digital currencies. This projection is crucial as it indicates a shift in the financial landscape, where stablecoins may play a pivotal role in transactions, potentially surpassing traditional bank tokens. Such developments could reshape how we think about money and transactions in the future.

Ethereum is facing a tough time as the crypto market corrects itself, with its value dropping over 22% since hitting a record high of around $4,950 in August. This decline has pushed ETH below the crucial $4,000 mark, leaving many investors in challenging situations. The current downturn highlights the volatility of the cryptocurrency market and serves as a reminder of the risks involved in such investments.

The demand for XRP on the CME derivatives exchange is surging, with a remarkable trading volume of over $18 billion. This increase is particularly significant as it comes just before the potential approval of XRP ETFs, which could further boost institutional interest in the altcoin. The CME group recently announced that it has achieved a four-month milestone for XRP futures, indicating a strong bullish outlook for the cryptocurrency. This trend not only reflects growing confidence in XRP but also suggests a shift in market dynamics that could benefit investors.

Bahrain has officially certified XRP as Shariah-compliant, a significant step that opens the door for the cryptocurrency to be utilized in Islamic finance. This development is crucial as it not only enhances the legitimacy of XRP within the Islamic financial sector but also paves the way for broader adoption of digital currencies in regions where Shariah compliance is essential. The move could attract more investors and institutions looking to engage with cryptocurrencies in a compliant manner, potentially transforming the landscape of Islamic finance.

A significant change is happening in the XRP ecosystem as billions of tokens are being withdrawn from open trading and locked away for extended periods. This shift, highlighted by crypto expert Zach Rector, suggests that upcoming network upgrades and decentralized finance (DeFi) opportunities are motivating holders to commit their XRP. This is important because it could lead to increased stability and value for XRP, benefiting both investors and the broader cryptocurrency market.

Moody's has raised concerns about the rise of stablecoins and their potential to undermine monetary policy and bank deposits in emerging markets. This 'cryptoization' phenomenon is particularly alarming due to the fragmented regulatory landscape, which leaves economies vulnerable. As stablecoins gain traction, the lack of cohesive rules could lead to significant financial instability, making it crucial for regulators to address these challenges to protect economic integrity.

The XPL token from Plasma has made a remarkable comeback, surging 113% to reach an all-time high of $1.54 shortly after a significant drop on its launch day. This recovery is noteworthy as it reflects the resilience of the token despite initial selling pressure from users cashing in on airdrops. The swift rebound highlights investor confidence and the potential for growth in the cryptocurrency market, making it a key event for enthusiasts and investors alike.