Tether, the USDT issuer, sees a 30% drop in profit.

Tether, the USDT issuer, sees a 30% drop in profit.

The Growing Profits and Excess Reserves of Tether

USDT market cap chart

Tether, the issuer of the stablecoin USDT, recently published its Q2 2023 attestation report, revealing some exciting developments within the company. According to the report, Tether recorded an “operational profit” of $1 billion in the second quarter. While this represents a 30% decline from its Q1 profit of $1.48 billion, it still shows a significant increase of 30% compared to the same period in 2022. These profits enable Tether to fund various energy-related initiatives and engage in share buybacks.

The Importance of Excess Reserves

One notable aspect of Tether’s financial strategy is the management of its excess reserves. In Q2 2023, Tether’s excess reserves increased by $850 million, bringing the total to approximately $3.3 billion. Excess reserves are the profits that Tether keeps instead of distributing them as dividends to shareholders. By maintaining these reserves, Tether strengthens the stability and backing of all USDT tokens in circulation. This approach safeguards customers’ funds and mitigates the risk of under-collateralization, which can undermine the entire system.

To ensure the stability of its token, Tether holds an additional 4% of its assets within its reserves. This risk management decision aligns with Tether’s commitment to protecting its customers’ funds. Moreover, the company believes that other players in the blockchain industry should follow suit, as maintaining adequate reserves is crucial for the long-term health and credibility of stablecoin ecosystems.

Continued Transparency Efforts

In 2021, Tether reached a settlement with authorities and agreed to release quarterly reports on its reserves for two years. Although the company has fulfilled its commitment to authorities, it remains dedicated to transparency and continues to publish these reports. Tether’s Chief Technology Officer emphasizes the company’s belief that transparency is not merely a buzzword but an integral part of its philosophy. By embodying transparency, Tether aims to foster trust and reliability within the global community.

Tether has faced scrutiny in the past regarding the backing of its USDT tokens. Critics questioned whether the tokens were truly 100% backed by reserves. However, despite these allegations, Tether has proven itself by consistently maintaining its peg to the US dollar. Whenever the value of USDT dropped below a dollar, it quickly re-pegged to maintain stability.

Tether’s Leading Market Position

Despite the controversies, Tether’s USDT remains the largest stablecoin in the market, boasting a market cap of $83.8 billion. Its closest rival, Circle’s USDC, maintains a market cap of $26 billion, highlighting the significant lead Tether holds within the stablecoin space. This market dominance further solidifies Tether’s influence and impact on the blockchain industry.

Conclusion

Tether’s recent Q2 2023 attestation report showcases its growing profitability and commitment to transparency. The company’s operational profit of $1 billion, though slightly decreased from the previous quarter, represents a significant increase compared to the same period in 2022. Additionally, Tether’s management of excess reserves and dedication to transparency exemplify its responsible approach to safeguarding customer funds and maintaining the stability of its token. With its leading market position in the stablecoin ecosystem, Tether continues to play a vital role in the blockchain industry.