Tether CEO Highlights USDT’s Role in Emerging Market Trade

Paolo Ardoino, chief executive of stablecoin issuer Tether, said USDT’s dollar‑proxy function is now a core component of commerce in many developing countries. He emphasized that the company’s mission of financial inclusion is more important than ever as the stablecoin gains traction for both everyday transactions and large‑scale trade.

Growing Reliance in Emerging Economies

Reports from Africa and Latin America show that USDT is being adopted for retail payments and as a hedge against weakening local currencies. In Argentina, users continue to prefer USDT for its liquidity and near‑instant conversion to physical dollars.

Stablecoins in International Trade

Venezuela’s oil sector illustrates the scale of USDT usage. An economist cited that roughly 80% of the country’s crude revenue was paid in stablecoins in 2025, and recent data indicate that stablecoin‑based peer‑to‑peer markets now account for about 75% of monthly oil export volumes. Binance’s P2P order book for Venezuela shows that 90.2% of listings involve USDT.

Regulatory Considerations

After a multi‑year crypto ban, Bolivia is reviewing the legal integration of USDT. The nation’s finance minister highlighted the need for regulation to prevent money‑laundering and illicit activity while acknowledging the stablecoin’s potential benefits.

Tether’s Market Position

USDT’s expanding role in these markets has helped push Tether’s market capitalization beyond $180 billion.

Key Takeaway

Ardoino concluded that supporting access to dollar‑denominated assets in regions with limited foreign‑currency availability remains central to Tether’s strategy.