Tether minted 19 billion USDT in a month, and the crypto market is worried

Tether minted an additional $2 billion in USDT in the late hours of December 6, concluding a month-long minting spree that has added $19 billion in liquidity to the crypto market. This has stirred up a growing concern from the crypto market, which is questioning the company’s transparency.

According to several blockchain analytics platforms, including Lookonchain, Tether’s minting activities occurred on the Ethereum and Tron networks. The world’s largest stablecoin issuer’s latest move predates earlier mints of December 3 and December 5, each day witnessing a liquidity bump of $1 billion. 

Tether minted 2B $USDT again 6 hours ago!#Tether has minted 19B $USDT on #Ethereum and #Tron since Nov 6!https://t.co/mRlyzWmCSj pic.twitter.com/D3OmnyXVxc

— Lookonchain (@lookonchain) December 7, 2024

The crypto community has raised questions about the adequacy of Tether’s reserves amid its rapid minting activity. Critics warn that issuing large volumes of USDT without transparent proof of backing could erode trust and shake market confidence, especially if the company fails to provide sufficient evidence of its reserve holdings.

USDT stablecoin liquidity market dynamics

The ongoing crypto market bull run has caused a significant uptick in trading activity. When the market experiences periods of asset price surges, like the recent Bitcoin rally, demand for stablecoins across blockchain networks also rises. This, like in Tether’s case, may fuel the need for stablecoin issuers to mint more coins to stabilize trading volumes.

Market observers believe Tether’s $2 billion in newly issued USDT is beneficial to the crypto market, as the boosted liquidity helps facilitate transactions and intensifies buying pressure. However, the crypto community remains divided on the implications of Tether’s activity. 

Some argue that the increased liquidity supports market efficiency, while others warn that excessive minting without transparency erodes the market’s trust. 

Sounds like Tether is prepping for a big party, but remember: trustless systems thrive on transparency. Let’s hope they keep the community informed as $USDT grows. Too much minting without clarity can lead to uncertainties, just like bad coffee! $OSAI #bitcoin

— Satoshi AI🧠💡 (@open_satoshi_ai) December 7, 2024

The growing concerns revolve around the potential for over-supply if the minting process is not carefully managed. The rapid increase in USDT issuance could, if unchecked, create market imbalances and negatively affect the stablecoin’s long-term stability and sustainability.

Tether responds to transparency concerns

Tether has constantly faced heavy criticism for its reserve procedures. However, Chief Technology Officer Paolo Ardoino has asserted the company’s commitment to backing its coins with secure assets like US Treasury bills. 

Just to correct the statement: we're still discussing with the regulator about our concerns that I expressed in our interview, that would pose severe risks to stablecoins regulated in EU.

Uninsured cash deposits are not a good idea.

We should learn from what happened with…

— Paolo Ardoino 🤖🍐 (@paoloardoino) April 11, 2024

Through a post made on X, Ardiono urged stablecoin companies to learn from the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. He called for stablecoin issuers to keep 100% of their reserves in low-risk assets to reduce the dangers associated with uninsured cash deposits.

“Stablecoins should keep reserves primarily in treasury bills to avoid exposure to bank failures,” Ardoino wrote.

Tether faces allegations of drug trafficking ties

In other news, unsealed court records have revealed Tether’s alleged involvement in a separate case tied to drug trafficking operations in the United States, Mexico, and Colombia. 

Federal authorities are seeking the forfeiture of over $5 million in Tether stored across three crypto accounts linked to money laundering. Investigations suggest that more than $15 million worth of crypto flowed through one Binance account associated with suspected drug proceeds between 2020 and 2023.

The case began in August 2020 with a tip-off about an individual, identified as “D.C.,” involved in drug trafficking. Authorities discovered a network of front businesses and residential safe houses allegedly used to launder money, including a trucking company in Milwaukee. 

Speaking to independent media company 404 Media, a Tether spokesperson stated that the transactions in question occurred on the “secondary market,” meaning they were not conducted through entities directly sourcing USDT from Tether. 

The spokesperson highlighted the stablecoin company’s use of blockchain tracing tools and partnerships with law enforcement to combat illicit activities. 

“Every action is online, every transaction traceable, and every asset can be seized,” they emphasized.

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