Tether CEO says company holds about 150,000 Bitcoin

At the Plan ₿ Forum in Lugano, Tether chief executive Paolo Ardoino announced that the stablecoin issuer owns roughly 150,000 BTC. The company’s third‑quarter reserve report listed Bitcoin valued at $8.37 billion, implying about 100,060 BTC, while Ardoino’s estimate values the holdings at $11.5 billion. Tether also reported total reserve assets of $191.45 billion and excess reserves of $7.95 billion at the end of September.

The disclosed Bitcoin holdings could influence market sentiment toward BTC, as Tether is a major liquidity provider. The gap between the reserve report and Ardoino’s estimate suggests additional off‑balance‑sheet Bitcoin exposure, which may affect investors’ assessment of Tether’s risk profile.

  • 1Tether holds approximately 150,000 Bitcoin, according to CEO Paolo Ardoino.
  • 2The third‑quarter reserve report values Bitcoin at $8.37 billion as of September 30.
  • 3The reserve report’s Bitcoin valuation implies about 100,060 BTC.
  • 4Ardoino’s estimate values the 150,000 BTC at $11.5 billion.
  • 5Total reserve assets were $191.45 billion at September’s end.
  • 6Excess reserves rose to $7.95 billion from $4.11 billion in June.
  • Discrepancy between the reserve report’s Bitcoin valuation ($8.37 billion) and Ardoino’s estimate ($11.5 billion).
  • Difference between the implied Bitcoin count in the reserve report (≈100,060 BTC) and the CEO’s estimate (≈150,000 BTC).

Sources