Tether Purchases 8,888 BTC as 2026 Starts, Total Holdings Cross 96,000 BTC

TheNewsCryptoPublished on 2026-01-02Last updated on 2026-01-02

Abstract

Tether, the world's largest stablecoin issuer, has significantly increased its Bitcoin holdings by purchasing 8,888 BTC at the start of 2026, valued at over $785 million. This acquisition is part of its strategy to allocate up to 15% of quarterly profits into Bitcoin for reserve diversification. The company’s total Bitcoin holdings now stand at 96,370 BTC, worth approximately $8.57 billion, making it one of the largest private BTC holders globally. The move signals Tether’s long-term confidence in Bitcoin, especially amid a cautious market environment.

In the context of a fear-driven crypto market, many entered 2026 cautiously. Tether, the largest stablecoin issuer, is quietly heading in the opposite route, which has boosted its exposure to Bitcoin.

Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino announced on January 1 that the company had acquired 8,888.8888888 BTC as part of its Q4 2025 investment plan, marking a strong start to the new year. This recent purchase alone was valued at over $785 million, which highlights Tether’s aggressive accumulation strategy.

Following this new acquisition, Tether’s overall Bitcoin holdings have increased to 96,370 BTC, and at the current market rates, the value is estimated to be around $8.57 billion. Now, the company is not only the world’s largest stablecoin issuer, but also one of the top largest private holders of Bitcoin, as per the Bitcoin Treasuries statistics.

Tether Signals Long-Term Confidence in Bitcoin

The accumulation reflects a plan established in May 2023, under which Tether distributes up to 15% of its achieved quarterly operating revenues to Bitcoin as a future store of value and reserve diversification instrument.

With this new acquisition, comparing the public and private BTC treasuries, Tether is being placed before the MARA holdings, where its total BTC holdings are 53,250 BTC. However, at the end of 2025, Strategy is still in first place with over 6,70,000 BTC, as per Bitcoin Treasuries.

Anyhow. Tether’s acquisition matters because, when other private companies raise revenue to buy BTC, Tether utilizes the extra earnings to diversify its reserves without disturbing its backing majority in highly liquid, low-risk instruments. After major gains in the early 2025, Bitcoin struggles to sustain upward momentum. This Tether’s year-end BTC accumulation signals long-term confidence.

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