From BigGo Finance · BigGo Finance · · 1m 50s
Tether Claims Iran-Linked USDT Volume Down 94%
Tether says Iran-linked USDT trading volume fell 94% as it rebuts Senate sanctions compliance claims.
In brief
Tether says Iran-linked USDT trading volume fell 94% as it rebuts Senate sanctions compliance claims. Tether claims Iran-linked USDT trading volume dropped 94% by freezing wallets four weeks before sanctions designation, rebutting Senate sanctions compliance concerns. Originally reported by BigGo Finance.
Tether CEO claims Iran-linked USDT volume fell 94%
Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino said Iran-linked USDT trading volume has fallen 94%, directly rebutting sanctions-compliance allegations raised in the U.S. Senate.
“Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino said Iran-linked USDT trading volume has fallen 94%, directly rebutting sanctions-compliance allegations raised in the U.S. Senate.”
Tether froze wallets four weeks before sanctions designation
Tether has blocked relevant wallets an average of four weeks before U.S. and Israeli authorities designated them since 2023.
“Tether has blocked relevant wallets an average of four weeks before U.S. and Israeli authorities designated them since 2023.”
Tether identified problem wallets ahead of Chainalysis in 99% of cases
Tether identified problem wallets ahead of blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis in 99% of cases.
“Tether identified problem wallets ahead of blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis in 99% of cases.”
Senate questions Tether's sanctions compliance
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal questioned whether Tether effectively blocks fund flows from sanctioned countries through its dollar-pegged token.
“U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal questioned whether Tether effectively blocks fund flows from sanctioned countries through its dollar-pegged token.”
Measurement period and baseline not disclosed
The measurement period, comparison baseline, method for determining 'Iran-linked' activity, and definition of trading volume were not disclosed, prompting calls for independent verification.
“The measurement period comparison baseline method for determining Iran-linked activity and definition of trading volume were not disclosed prompting calls for independent verification.”
Tether's transparency push includes KPMG signing 2025 statements
KPMG's signing of Tether's 2025 financial statements signals the company's move toward institutional-grade accountability.
“KPMG's signing of Tether's 2025 financial statements signals the company's move toward institutional-grade accountability.”
Iran-related stablecoin activity could rise despite share decline
Standard Chartered projects total stablecoin supply will increase significantly by 2030, raising absolute Iran-related activity even if its share declines.
“Standard Chartered projects total stablecoin supply will increase significantly by 2030 raising absolute Iran-related activity even if its share declines.”
Tether seeks institutional partnerships for regulatory compliance
Tether is pursuing institutional partnerships, including discussions with Kazakhstan on stablecoins and tokenization, to position USDT as a regulatory-friendly asset.
“Tether is pursuing institutional partnerships including discussions with Kazakhstan on stablecoins and tokenization to position USDT as a regulatory-friendly asset.”
Independent on-chain data will determine Tether's claim credibility
Chainalysis, Elliptic, TRM Labs and others publish estimates of major stablecoins' sanctions exposure; their data will confirm or challenge Tether's 94% figure.
“Chainalysis Elliptic TRM Labs and others publish estimates of major stablecoins' sanctions exposure; their data will confirm or challenge Tether's 94% figure.”
The big picture
Tether claims Iran-linked USDT trading volume dropped 94% by freezing wallets four weeks before sanctions designation, rebutting Senate sanctions compliance concerns.
