Jupiter (jup) 
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Tether, the world’s largest stablecoin issuer, is steadily expanding its presence in Latin America, with merchants in Bolivia now pricing goods directly in USDT. This growing grassroots adoption highlights the increasing role of cryptocurrencies in everyday commerce across the region.
Tether’s Role in Bolivian Commerce
In a noteworthy development, Bolivian shops have begun displaying prices in USDT, reflecting a shift toward digital dollars in retail and daily transactions. This trend is being described as a “quietly revolutionary shift,” according to Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino. He shared images of Bolivian stores showcasing USDT pricing, emphasizing how digital currencies are helping power commerce and economic stability in the region.
“A quietly revolutionary shift: digital dollars are powering daily life, commerce, and economic stability.”
This development mirrors broader trends in Latin America, where cryptocurrencies like USDT are increasingly used as a reliable store of value and medium of exchange, especially in regions facing economic volatility or inflationary pressures.
Massive Valuation Projections for Tether
As Tether continues to expand its influence, analysts have been speculating about the company’s valuation. Financial analyst Jon Ma recently projected that Tether could achieve a valuation of $515 billion, ranking it as the 19th largest company globally. This would place Tether ahead of major corporations like Costco and Coca-Cola in terms of market value.
The projection is based on Tether’s reported $13 billion in net profits for 2024. Of this, $7 billion was generated from Treasury securities and repos, while an additional $5 billion came from unrealized gains on Bitcoin and gold reserves. The analysis also assumes a USDT supply growth of $50-60 billion, with an average supply of $170 billion projected for 2025.
“Tether valuation at $515 billion is a beautiful number. Maybe a bit bearish considering our current (and increasing) Bitcoin + Gold treasury, yet I’m very humbled.”
Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino expressed gratitude for the projection but suggested that the figure might be conservative given the company’s growing Bitcoin and gold holdings. Industry figures like Anthony Pompliano have even speculated that Tether could one day reach a $1 trillion valuation.
Tether’s Stance on Going Public
Despite the buzz surrounding its valuation, Tether has no immediate plans to pursue an initial public offering (IPO). When asked about the potential benefits of going public, Ardoino responded succinctly: “No need to go public.” This statement underscores Tether’s confidence in its private structure and robust financial performance.
Unlike Circle, which opted to go public through a SPAC merger, Tether appears focused on its existing business model. The company’s strategy seems to prioritize organic growth and deeper integration into global markets over public listing considerations.
USDT Adoption in Latin America
The adoption of USDT in Bolivia is part of a broader trend across Latin America, where stablecoins are gaining traction as essential tools for financial stability. In countries with high inflation or unstable local currencies, USDT has emerged as a preferred choice for both saving and daily transactions.
As of the latest data, USDT remains the largest stablecoin by market capitalization, with a market cap of $154.8 billion. Its dominance in the stablecoin market and increasing use in commerce underscore its significance in the global cryptocurrency ecosystem.
The integration of USDT into retail markets not only highlights its utility but also paves the way for further adoption in regions where traditional financial systems may fall short.
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